WINNIPEG — Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister issued his first statement Tuesday since the tragic weekend shooting at a Quebec City mosque.
Six people were killed and five others critically injured on Sunday when Alexandre Bissonnette, 27, allegedly opened fire in an act of terror.
Pallister issued the following statement on the attack:
Our nation has been rocked by an act of unimaginable hate.
Tremendous shock, sadness and anger are the natural and unavoidable reactions in the immediate aftermath of such an act on our normally peaceful soil.
Manitobans have joined hands to condemn these events and to offer comfort to one another.
That is what makes this province and this country so special.
We are built on diversity. We find our roots in common values of love, acceptance and inclusion.
Manitoba is the home of hope and each Manitoban carries in their heart a limitless capacity for love, compassion and unity.
We stand today in a place of Muslim worship and refuge. Together.
While we grieve with all Canadians over the tragedy of Ste-Foy, we will rise above our fear.
In the face of this senseless attack we are reminded of the need to uphold our values of acceptance, tolerance and respect each and every day.
And so I say to all Manitobans, in the words of Martin Luther King:
Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that.
Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.On behalf of all Manitobans, I offer support and hope.
