Nova Scotia to mark two years since mass shooting with moments of silence

The Nova Scotia legislature rose today in tribute and held a moment of silence ahead of its Easter weekend break

CITYnews halifax \ Canadian Press

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HALIFAX — The Nova Scotia government is asking the public to “come together” for moments of silence in memory of the 22 people killed in a two-day shooting rampage in the province nearly two years ago.

It is asking for the observances to take place at noon on April 18 and on April 19 — the dates in 2020 during which the worst mass shooting in modern Canadian history occurred.

The Nova Scotia legislature rose today in tribute and held a moment of silence ahead of its Easter weekend break.

Premier Tim Houston says the flags at Province House will be lowered to half-mast from sunrise on April 18 to sunset on April 19 and so will the flags at all provincial government buildings.

He says citizens, businesses and community organizations that fly flags in the province will also be encouraged to lower them to half-mast on the two dates.

The premier says legislation will be introduced this fall to establish the dates as provincial days of remembrance, after consulting with the victims’ families to ensure those who died are honoured appropriately.

Houston read aloud the names of the 22 victims as he addressed the legislature, saying two years have passed and the “heartbreak and sorrow remain.”

“We cannot imagine the pain and suffering the victims’ families have endured,” Houston said. “We stand with you today and on all days.”

Opposition Liberal Leader Iain Rankin said the families should know that they are not alone and that their loved ones are remembered.

“There are no words to provide comfort for the anguish of having a loved one torn away from them,” Rankin said. “All Nova Scotians grieve with you today and always.”

NDP Leader Gary Burrill said the planned observances will enable people to “say by gesture what is almost impossible to find an adequate way to say in words.”

“From the deepest place within us, we mark these days,” Burrill said.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 14, 2022.

The Canadian Press

Nova Scotia’s Mental Health Crisis Line is available 24/7 by calling toll-free 1-888-429-8167. Kids Help Phone counsellors can be reached at 1-800-668-6868.

Call 911 for emergency situations.

Additional mental health and wellness resources can be found here or by calling 211.