First responders close down Yonge Street in Toronto on Monday. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette
UPDATED April 24, 2018 4:56pmET
MPs held a moment of silence this afternoon following remarks by several members and Speaker Geoff Regan:
In the House of Commons, MPs observe a moment of silence to honour the victims of the Toronto van attack.
Speaker Geoff Regan: “The families and friends of those women and men killed or injured in yesterday’s attack have suffered the cruelest blow.” pic.twitter.com/F1VXnMTWOh
— CPAC (@CPAC_TV) April 24, 2018
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said this morning that Canadians cannot “choose to live in fear every single day as we go about our daily business” in the aftermath of yesterday’s van attack in Toronto that killed 10 pedestrians:
PM Trudeau on Toronto van attack:
“We cannot as Canadians choose to live in fear every single day as we go about our daily business. We need to focus on doing what we can and we must to keep Cdns safe while we stay true to the freedoms and values that we all as Cdns hold dear.” pic.twitter.com/JB13Bl2ybo
— CPAC (@CPAC_TV) April 24, 2018
Watch Trudeau’s full statement on Parliament Hill, plus questions from reporters:
PM Justin Trudeau Makes Statement on Toronto Van Incident https://t.co/VhIaTOLaJj
— CPAC (@CPAC_TV) April 24, 2018
Here’s what Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale told reporters yesterday in Toronto, where he was meeting G7 foreign and security ministers, on any potential national security connection:
Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale on Toronto van incident:
“On the basis of all available information at the present time there would appear to be no national security connection to this particular incident.” #cdnpoli pic.twitter.com/WCqz1MKxZ7
— CPAC (@CPAC_TV) April 24, 2018
Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer released this statement yesterday:
On behalf of the Conservative Party of Canada, Jill and I want to extend our deepest condolences to the loved ones of the victims of today’s attack in Toronto.
I can only imagine the horror, fear and pain that this has caused to all those who were victims of the attack or those who witnessed it.
To those recovering in hospital, you are in our thoughts and we are praying for a fast and full recovery.
The safety and security of Canadians must be the number one priority of any government and the individual responsible for this horrific attack must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
I’d like to take this opportunity thank our first responders who bravely reacted to this ongoing situation.
We have all seen by now the incredible footage of a police officer staring down the attacker alone on a city street.
The men and women of our police services represent the best of what it means to be Canadian, and today we thank them.
I am confident that all Canadians stand in support of the people of Toronto as they come together to support families impacted by this tragedy. The stories of bravery, selflessness, and kindness that have emerged have been an inspiration to an entire nation.
And from NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh:
The attack at Yonge and Finch today in Toronto is simply horrific.
It’s a part of the city I know well, that’s dynamic, full of people and pedestrians throughout the day. I’m struck and sickened by the brutality of this violence.
My heart breaks for the families of those murdered, who I can only imagine must be completely overwhelmed by this sudden and senseless loss. The thoughts and prayers of millions of Canadians are with you tonight. My thoughts are also with the wounded and I’m sending them strength as they begin a difficult recovery.
While we try to make sense of the senseless, I am deeply grateful for the heroic work of first responders and those aiding the injured. The bravery and determination they demonstrated today is the embodiment of the values Canadians hold dear. And we respect the important work that officials have begun to determine exactly what lead to this terrible act.
We will not let this attack sow hate or division amongst ourselves.
Toronto, like Canada, is strong, diverse, loving and courageous, and this event will not change that. We will come together, we will mourn, we will seek justice, and we will remain strong.
-Andrew Thomson