Flags at half-mast in salute to victims of worst mass murder in Canada

By Barry Ellsworth

TRENTON, Canada (AA) - Flags were lowered to half-mast Tuesday to mark the third anniversary of a two-day killing spree that claimed 22 lives in Nova Scotia.

“Three years ago, on April 18 and 19, 2020, the deadliest mass shooting in Canadian history shook Nova Scotia – and all of Canada,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in a statement. “On this sombre day, we remember those we lost and hold their memories close to our hearts.”

A gunman wearing the uniform of a Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) officer and driving a vehicle made to resemble a police cruiser began his rampage.

The Mass Casualty Commission inquiry into the tragedy released a 3,000-page report three weeks ago after hearing seven months of testimony. It was a scathing indictment of actions of the RCMP’s response to frantic calls for help as the gunman crossed Nova Scotia, killing as he went.

"Three years later, the impacts of April 18 and 19, 2020, are still felt deeply across our province. We must always remember and honour the lives of victims and survivors," Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston said in a statement.

Provincial flags were flown at half-mast on all government buildings to mark the two days of tragedy and at noon Tuesday, city buses in the capital of Halifax will be pulled over for a moment of silence. As well, Nova Scotians, businesses and community groups were asked to lower flags and observe a minute of silence Tuesday and Wednesday.

“Today, Canadians remember the 22 people, including a woman who was expecting a child, whose lives were cut short on one of the darkest days in Canadian history,” said Trudeau. “We will never forget them. To the people of Nova Scotia: we know the pain, trauma, and heartbreaking loss will never truly go away, but today and every day, we stand with you.”​​​​​​​