October 22, 2014

My dear friends

I wish to thank everyone for their concerns, well wishes and prayers in light of yesterday’s attack on Parliament Hill. I wish to reassure you  that all Parliamentarians, including myself and the Prime Minister, are in good health thanks to the excellent work of first responders, police forces, and Parliament Hill security personnel who came quickly and to assist those of us who were close to the attack.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Corporal Nathan Cirillo who was killed – murdered in cold blood – as he provided a ceremonial Honour Guard at Canada’s National War Memorial in Ottawa. Our thoughts and prayers remain also with the family and friends of Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent, who was killed earlier this week by an ISIL-inspired terrorist.

These attacks on our security personnel and our institutions of governance are, by their very nature, attacks on our country, on our values, on our society, on us, Canadians, as a free and democratic people who embrace human dignity for all.

As Prime Minister Stephen Harper said, “Canada will never be intimidated. In fact, this will lead us to strengthen our resolve and redouble our efforts and those of our national security agencies to take all necessary steps to identify and counter threats, and keep Canada safe here at home. We have every confidence that Canadians will pull together with the kind of firm solidarity that has seen our country through many challenges. Together, we will remain vigilant against those at home or abroad who wish to harm us.”

Again, thank you for your thoughtful concerns. My family and I  join all Canadians in praying for those who have been touched by yesterday’s attacks.

Yours truly,

Senator Thanh Hai Ngo