Nova Scotians reflect on 2nd anniversary of mass shooting

Monday April 18 and Tuesday April 19 marks the second anniversary of the worst mass killing in modern Canadian history.

Back on April 18 and 19, 2020, a gunman dressed as an RCMP officer killed 22 people in a 13-hour timespan from Portapique, Nova Scotia, to Shubenacadie, Nova Scotia. The gunman was eventually killed by police at the Enfield Big Stop.

Nova Scotia RCMP posted a tribute video today:

As community members, those who serve Nova Scotians, and colleagues, we remember. Our hearts are with the families of the twenty-two innocent people whose lives were taken on April 18 & 19, 2020. 1/2 https://t.co/9OnS1PsANE

— RCMP, Nova Scotia (@RCMPNS) April 18, 2022

Nova Scotia is holding a minute of silence at noon on both Monday and Tuesday to honour the victims.

Premier Tim Houston says flags throughout the province will be at half-mast for both days.

“Two years have passed, but the heartbreak and sorrow remain,” said Houston at the Nova Scotia House of Assembly on Thursday. “We cannot imagine the pain and suffering the victim’s families have endured over the past two years.”

Today, we remember our fellow Nova Scotians who lost their lives on April 18th and 19th, 2020.

In honour of the strength and courage of the survivors, flags throughout the province will be lowered from sunrise today until sundown tomorrow.https://t.co/PHNoDyLcNh

— Tim Houston (@TimHoustonNS) April 18, 2022

Houston also says his government will introduce legislation this fall to officially designate April 18 and 19 as Provincial Days of Remembrance.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also released a statement today:

It was one of the darkest days in our history. The lives of 22 people, including a woman who was pregnant, were taken. Many more were changed forever. Two years later, our thoughts remain with Nova Scotians – we’re here for you and we’ll always remember the loved ones you lost.

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) April 18, 2022