It is with unimaginable shock that we gather across this great nation this evening to mourn the lives lost in Quebec last night. While I may be in Ottawa, my heart is back at home in Calgary with all of you and I mourn, as you do, that so many innocent lives were taken in a needless act of senseless violence.

Canadians of all faiths were horrified to learn of this violent act, and especially that it happened at a place of worship – a place where so many gather regularly to pray for a better world both here and abroad.

Please know that all Canadians, of all political stripes, stand united against this type of violence and this type of hatred. We may all come from different places, we may have different religions, but we are all Canadian and we share the common values of respect, tolerance, safety and security. We stand united to ensure these values prevail against those of anger, hatred and intolerance.

Tonight, let us pray for those lost and those injured. Let us pray for the families affected and that they have the strength to move forward. Let us pray their recoveries are both fast and complete. We pray that they feel the love of the Canadian family and find the resolve to continue to build a better Canada together.