OTTAWA, January 16, 2015 - The Honourable Steven Blaney, Canada’s Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, welcomed the release today in Moncton, New Brunswick, of the Independent Review of the Moncton Shooting that was requested by RCMP Commissioner Bob Paulson:
“The shootings in Moncton horrified our nation. These were evil acts that resulted in the tragic loss of life of 3 law enforcement officers who will be remembered for their important roles in their community but also remembered as dear husbands, fathers and friends. Canadians from coast to coast mourn with the families of the fallen and the people of Moncton in remembering this great loss.
I commend the work of Assistant Commissioner (ret’d) Alphonse MacNeil and his team. This review is a necessary and important step in understanding the tragic events of June 4, 2014, and learning what measures can be taken to improve the RCMP’s response in the event of similar situations. The RCMP has accepted all 64 of the Review’s recommendations. Their comprehensive response to those recommendations provides a strong basis for improved practices in addressing future threats.
I would like to acknowledge the Moncton community, which cooperated with the RCMP as they conducted their intense search for the gunman during those difficult hours immediately following the shootings. That spirit of cooperation illustrates how a positive partnership between citizens and law enforcement can support investigations and protect citizens. That partnership helped resolve this incident for the safety of the community.
On October 31, 2014, Mr. Justice Smith handed down a sentence of life without possibility of parole for 75 years. This is the direct result of measures our Government introduced which allow for consecutive periods of parole ineligibility in cases of multiple murder. Our Government has worked tirelessly to ensure that Canada is a country where those who break the law are punished with penalties that match the severity of their crimes.
I join with Canadians from across the country in expressing gratitude for the dedication of the RCMP and other police forces and for the bravery of the officers who work each day to protect our safety and security.
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Information:
Jason Tamming
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
613-991-2924
Media Relations
Public Safety Canada
613-991-0657
media@ps-sp.gc.ca
