François Legault Is Delaying His Daily Press Conference 'Out Of Respect For Nova Scotia'
Quebec Premier François Legault announced that he would delay his daily public update to reserve the 1:00 p.m. slot for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, who are due to hold a press conference on the Nova Scotia shooting that has killed at least 17 people. The Premier wrote on Twitter that he made the decision "out of respect" for the Maritime province. His update will instead take place at 1:30 p.m.
On social media, public figures in Quebec have offered their condolences to the victims' families and communities.
"My thoughts are with the families and loved ones of the victims of this unprecedented violence in Nova Scotia," Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante wrote on Twitter.
"Even though we are in isolation, know that you are not alone."
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shared his own message on Sunday: "Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the shooting in Nova Scotia. To the Portapique community, we’re keeping all of you in our thoughts.
"And on behalf of all Canadians, I want you to know that we’re here for you — and we’ll be here for you in the days and weeks ahead."
Among the victims is RCMP Constable Heidi Stevenson.
"We're touched by the outpouring from Nova Scotians wanting to honour Cst. Stevenson and the member injured," the RCMP said in a statement.
We're touched by the outpouring from Nova Scotians wanting to honour Cst. Stevenson and the member injured. A condo… https://t.co/vYpLzR3gde— RCMP, Nova Scotia (@RCMP, Nova Scotia) 1587394115.0
"A condolence email has been set up and messages will be passed along to Cst. Stevenson's family: RCMP.Condolences-Condoleances.GRC@rcmp-grc.gc.ca."
The federal police force further asks that "for everyone's health and safety, please continue to abide by the Health Protection Act Order and Emergency Management Act while honouring the members."
Par respect pour la Nouvelle-Écosse, à la suite de la terrible tragédie de la fin de semaine, le point de presse qu… https://t.co/Q9KIdj2Bak— François Legault (@François Legault) 1587395429.0
"It’s okay to feel sad, or angry, or hopeless. But what’s not okay is to bear all of those feelings alone," Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil underlined on Twitter.
"Reach out to a loved one, a friend, a neighbour. And if you need more support, that’s okay too. The provincial crisis line is available 24/7: 1-888-429-8167."
It’s okay to feel sad, or angry, or hopeless. But what’s not okay is to bear all of those feelings alone. Reach out… https://t.co/HVcXs0HSgQ— Stephen McNeil (@Stephen McNeil) 1587323157.0
Stay tuned for more news.
This article was originally published in French on Narcity Québec.