“During this time of solace, we are standing strong,” reassures Nipissing-Timiskaming MP Jay Aspin.
Aspin started Friday morning's press conference with a hug for each member of the media and declared his pride in taking part in Thursday's parliamentary session saying, "it was the most nonpartisan day in parliament he's experienced yet."
Calling the press conference to give insight into Wednesday's tragedy on Parliament Hill, Aspin offered condolences for both Cpl. Nathan Cirillo, killed Wednesday in Ottawa and Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent, murdered Tuesday in Quebec. Constable Samearn Son was also shot in the leg on Parliament Hill Wednesday.
Aspin told his story, explaining how the unease of the unknown of what was going on at the height of the drama has stayed with him.
When the crisis started, Aspin heard distant shots, “thud, thud.” Then he heard what sounded like machine gun fire. At the height of the panic, he thought that there were shooters on the other side of the wall and thought of other governments that had been taken in a violent siege. The MPs ran en masse to two locked doors, and then barricaded the third door.
When security services declared the area safe, the MPs were whisked to a locked down location with all MPs being interviewed before being sent home nine hours later.
Aspin says things could have been worse, “there were 30 to 40 school children in the Great Hall the day before.”
The MP admits things have changed in Canada. "The prime minister and the public safety minister are indicating we are part of the worldwide situation and we're going to have to look at some of our rules that are too lax".
Aspin hopes that we keep our Canadian way with an open trust with the public. Aspin would like to see the tradition of the unarmed ceremonial guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier remain. But he adds “security will change on the hill”.
"I don't want to be an alarmist, but we have to be vigilant and cautious. It's a difficult balance. The events of this week have tipped the balance. If you want to enjoy our freedoms and way of life we have to stand up with our allies."
Asked if there would be counseling available for parliamentarians, Aspin said he would personally investigate to make sure the service is available. Aspin's parliamentary assistant, who turned 24 on Tuesday, needed the day off to process the traumatic event.
