Two Days for All Nova Scotians to Remember
It was two years ago today that the unthinkable unfolded as a madman left a twisted trail of sorrow from Portaupique to Shubenacadie.
Twenty-two Nova Scotians and an unborn child lost their lives at the hand of a deranged man—masquerading as a Mountie—on a mission of seemingly random, inexplicable destruction.
Together, we are called to remember Tom Bagley, Kristen Beaton and her unborn child, Greg Blair, Jamie Blair, Joy Bond, Peter Bond, Lillian Campbell, Corrie Ellison, Gina Goulet, Alanna Jenkins, Sean McLeod, Dawn Gulenchyn, Frank Gulenchyn, Lisa McCully, Heather O'Brien, Jolene Oliver, Aaron Tuck, Emily Tuck, Heidi Stevenson, Joanne Thomas, John Zahl, and Joey Webber.
Premier Tim Houston says, “Two years after this unspeakable tragedy, the heartbreak and sorrow remain. We cannot imagine the pain and suffering the victims' families have endured over the last two years. We stand with you today and on all days.”
The Premier says the tragic events of April 18 and 19 changed us, as Nova Scotians, forever.
As a testament to the lives lost and in honour of the strength and courage of the survivors, flags throughout the province were lowered at sunrise today and will remain so until sundown tomorrow.
Nova Scotians are asked to pause at noon—both days—to join together in a moment of silence.
Houston says, “It is important that we stand together this year and in all future years,” as the Province plans to introduce legislation to establish April 18 and 19 as Provincial Days of Remembrance.
Before that legislation is drafted, officials from the Department of Justice will consult with the families to ensure their loved ones are remembered in the ways they think they should be remembered.
The Premier hopes, “The Days of Remembrance will allow us to collectively remember the lives lost and reflect on how those days also brought us together as a community, as a province, and as a nation.” As Houston says, “They united us and showed our collective strength.”
Add your comments below.