A speaker’s parade opened a special sitting of the House of Commons in the wake of a tragic day in Ottawa yesterday. The applause was deafening as Sergeant of Arms Kevin Vickers entered the House. His face was a solemn mask when he nodded to the crowd, holding back tears. A special prayer, a moment of silence and the singing of the national anthem followed.
In his address to parliament, Prime Minister Stephen Harper said work to strengthen security in this country will be expedited. He said the most disturbing thing, it that both attacks of terror in recent days, on our country’s soil, were carried out by Canadian citizens. Harper said we live in a dangerous time, but the mission of our country and our parliament goes on. The Prime Minister concluded his speech by honouring all members of our security forces and giving a special thanks to Sergeant of Arms Kevin Vickers. it was a thanks answered with thunderous applause.