Ottawa, ON – The Hon. Pierre Poilievre, Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada and the Official Opposition, released the following statement on the anniversary of the Parliament Hill Attack:
“Ten years ago, the heart of Canada’s democracy was under siege. Standing guard over the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Corporal Nathan Cirillo was murdered in a vicious attack at the National War Memorial and on Parliament Hill.
“Not since the assassination of Thomas D’Arcy McGee, the poet of Confederation, one year after Canada’s founding, had our nation seen an act of terrorism take an innocent life on the doorstep of Parliament.
“The shooting in Ottawa was preceded by a terrorist attack killing Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec. Both men were murdered for the uniform they wore, representing their commitment to upholding our nation’s freedom.
“Today, as Canadians mourn their loss, we also remember the extraordinary residents of Ottawa who rushed to Corporal Cirillo’s aid and the first responders who prevented any further senseless loss of life.
“We must always defend freedom and innocent lives from monsters whose sole mission is death and destruction. Conservatives will always fight for freedom over fear and light over darkness. May the memories of these two men rededicate us to this essential mission.”