Vickers applauded as House of Commons resumes sitting after terror attacks

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Members of Parliament returned to the House of Commons Thursday morning in a show of unity to demonstrate that, just one day after an unprecedented terrorist attack, the seat of Canadian democracy will continue to do its work.




Prime Minister Stephen Harper, calling it a “terribly sad day,” paid tribute to both Cpl. Nathan Cirillo, killed at the National War Memorial by a gunman Wednesday, and Patrice Vincent, killed in St-Jean-sur-Richelieu Monday.

And he also thanked both NDP leader Tom Mulcair and Liberal leader Justin Trudeau for their support during a stressful time.

While they are political opponents, he stressed “we are all Canadian… we will always stand together.”

“The work of this Parliament goes on.”

Speaker Andrew Scheer entered the Commons in the ceremonial parade through the halls of the Centre Block.

Accompanying him – to applause from others in the hall – was Sergeant-at-Arms Kevin Vickers, who was among the security officials who shot the gunman who entered the Centre Block Wednesday morning when MPs were meeting in caucus rooms just steps away from the scene.


House of Commons Sergeant-at-Arms Kevin Vickers carries the mace during the Speakers Parade on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Thursday, Oct. 23, 2014.


When Vickers entered the chamber Thursday morning, he was greeted with a sustained, standing ovation from all parties. The sergeant at arms appeared emotional as the wave of applause rolled on.

Later, Harper walked over to Vickers and shook his hand.

Harper also embraced both Mulcair and Trudeau when he finished his remarks.


Prime Minister Stephen Harper hugs the Leader of the Opposition Tom Mulcair in the House of Commons on Thursday October 23, 2014 in Ottawa.

Remarkable show of unity as MPs cheer Vickers, sing anthem and have moment of silence for soldier killed yesterday. #cdnpoli

— Mark Kennedy (@Mark_Kennedy_) October 23, 2014
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Harper: “We are opponents but we are never enemies. We are all Canadians,” #cdnpoli

— Mark Kennedy (@Mark_Kennedy_) October 23, 2014
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Harper on extremists who spread hatred: “it is beyond our comprehension but it is very real.”

— Mark Kennedy (@Mark_Kennedy_) October 23, 2014
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After speech Harper crosses aisle and hugs Mulcair and Trudeau. He also hugs Kevin Vickers in thanks for protecting MPs. #cdnpoli

— Mark Kennedy (@Mark_Kennedy_) October 23, 2014
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Members of the parliamentary press gallery were also allowed to take their seats in the gallery overlooking the MPs. A prayer was read and a moment of silence followed. Members of the public are not being allowed onto Parliament Hill.

Mulcair called Wednesday’s attack on the Hill “a cowardly act” but said it had only hardened Canada’s democratic resolve. He said Canada can’t allow its “openness and freedom” to be rolled back.

Mulcair says all Canadians are supporting the Forces. #cdnpoli

— Mark Kennedy (@Mark_Kennedy_) October 23, 2014
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Mulcair says attacker wanted to get Canadians to hate others – “that’s not going to happen” #cdnpoli

— Mark Kennedy (@Mark_Kennedy_) October 23, 2014
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Trudeau also delivered statements to the Commons.

Trudeau says terrorists are not martyrs. They are criminals. “They do not get to change us.” #cdnpoli

— Mark Kennedy (@Mark_Kennedy_) October 23, 2014
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Earlier in the day, Harper paid brief tribute at the National War memorial.


Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Laureen Harper paid their respects and laid flowers amid crime scene markers Oct 23 at the Cenotaph where a soldier was shot dead Oct 22. The gunman was later killed when he stalked the halls of Parliament Hill. (Pat McGrath / Ottawa Citizen)


mkennedy@ottawacitizen.com

Twitter.com/Mark_Kennedy_

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