Today, a great tragedy has occurred in our nation. I fully denounce the actions of the shooter, and my thoughts and prayers are with the leaders, their staff, the soldiers, civilians, and everyone's family in Ottawa. I am very glad that our nation's leaders are safe, that those who choose to serve the public do so in spite of these risks, all because they care about people like you and me. I send my condolences to everyone across the nation, but most of all, to those in Ottawa and those affected by these attacks.
At the time of this writing, very little information has come in regarding who would attack Parliament and why. As such, I shall not presume to make assumptions. But regardless of who or why, the actions taken were an attack on democracy.
Today is not a day for partisan politics. But today is a day for democracy. Democracy was attacked today, and regardless of who you support, it is important that democracy thrive. The best way to respond to an attack on democracy is by responding with more democracy.
Today is not a day for partisanship, but I am eager to return to volunteering tomorrow. To me, it is my way of saying "You cannot scare me from the freedoms I enjoy. You cannot stop democracy with violence." No longer is democracy something to be taken for granted, but something to appreciate and value. I believe all volunteers of all parties feel the same way. You too are volunteering because you believe in democracy. I believe the leaders and candidates share these values, as well.
That is something no one can ever take away from us.
Update: It has been confirmed that one Canadian soldier lost his life in the attacks. My heartfelt condolences go to the family of Cpl. Nathan Cirillo.
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