Politicians react to shooting at Parti-Quebecois’ victory celebration
Posted Sep 5, 2012 02:29:04 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Politicians from federal, provincial and municipal levels say they are stunned by Tuesday evening’s horrific attack at the Parti-Quebecois’ victory celebration at the Metropolis club in Montreal.
In a written statement, Prime Minister Stephen Harper said he is angered by the horrific shooting, and it’s a tragic day where an exercise of democracy is met with an act of violence.
He continues by saying such acts will not be tolerated and Canadians can be rest assured the perpetrator will face the full force of the law.
Meanwhile, the Montreal Gazette reports ousted Premier Jean Charest’s face dropped upon hearing the news, while saying that’s not what Quebec is about.
“It’s a shock,” he told reporters, Wednesday. “Who would have thought something like this could happen, especially on an election night? Our thoughts are with the victim and the family.”
Possible target of the attack Premier-Elect Pauline Marois has used tough language, adding that she’s saddened by what happened, but she won’t let the violence dictate her party’s decisions. Quebec’s provincial police force have beefed up the security around her in response to the attack.
The NDP, whose majority of MP seats come from Quebec, has also expressed anger.
Federal Leader Thomas Mulcair said he is shocked by the tragic and unacceptable event, while Toronto’s Olivia Chow said she is struggling to understand why someone would do something like this over the outcome of an election.
Interim Liberal Leader Bob Rae weighed in as well, saying there is never an excuse for attacks like this.
The following is a statement from Ontario’s Premier Dalton McGuinty:
On behalf of Ontarians, I want to commend the people of Quebec for taking part in the democratic process. And I want to congratulate Pauline Marois, Jean Charest and Francois Legault on a robust campaign.
All of us in Canada are privileged to live in a country with free and fair elections — something many around the world continue to struggle to achieve.
We are saddened by the senseless and cowardly act of violence that resulted in a tragic loss of life. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims and with the people of Quebec during this difficult time.
The people of our two provinces are much more than neighbours, we are friends who have forged a successful partnership — one that strengthens both our economies and enriches both our cultures.
Through the decades, the Ontario and Quebec governments — regardless of political affiliations — have maintained productive relations by focusing on the issues that matter most to families in both our provinces: Good schools, reliable health care, a safe and clean environment and a strong economy.
We’ve worked together in the past to build a better life for people in both provinces and we will continue to do so in the future.
I want to also pay tribute to Jean Charest — he has been a strong partner for Ontario and a good friend to me. His years of public service in Ottawa and Quebec have made our country even stronger.
