The House and Its Members / Security and the Maintenance of Order in the Parliamentary Precinct

Shooting in the Hall of Honour in Centre Block: reflecting on the events of October 22, 2014; access to the Hill

October 23, 2014

Debates, p. 8726

On October 22, 2014, a man armed with a hunting rifle killed a ceremonial sentry at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in front of the National War Memorial near Parliament Hill. The man then made his way to Parliament Hill, where he entered Centre Block through the main doors. An exchange of gunfire followed in the Hall of Honour, and the man was shot and killed at the end of the Hall. This series of events occurred while the parties were holding their caucus meetings. The House stood adjourned for the day.

The following day, contrary to normal practice, the Speaker asked that the doors to the galleries be opened to members of the parliamentary community before the reading of the prayer, in light of the tragic events of the previous day.^[1] The House observed a moment of silence. Party leaders and several independent Members then made statements recognizing the bravery of security staff and police services and asserting the determination of the House, collectively, not to be intimidated by external threats.

The Speaker also made a statement to reassure Members and the parliamentary community. He said that he had requested thorough reports on measures to ensure the continued safety of the Parliamentary Precinct. He informed the House that he had met with all the party Whips and that he would meet with independent Members to share all necessary information with them. He added that he had taken several additional steps to ensure the integrity of the ongoing investigation into the previous day’s events. Those measures included restricting access to Parliament Hill and cancelling tours. However, he stressed that these would be temporary measures and that Parliament must remain an institution that is both open and secure. He concluded by thanking the security personnel and police services.

Statement of the Chair

The Speaker: Before moving on to the Thursday question, I would like to provide a brief update to reassure all parliamentarians and everyone in our parliamentary community.

Yesterday, I had regular meetings with the Sergeant-at-Arms and the Director General of Security Services to receive reports as the situation unfolded. Today, I have asked for thorough reports, which I will share with the Board of Internal Economy, on measures to ensure the continued safety of the Parliamentary Precinct.

This morning I met with the party Whips to give them all the information, which they will share with their members. I will contact independent Members directly to keep them up to date as well.

I have also taken additional steps to ensure the integrity of the ongoing investigation into yesterday’s events. Parliament is closed to visitors today and tours have been cancelled. However, I have stressed that these must be temporary measures. Parliament must remain an institution that is both open and secure.

Access to the grounds of Parliament Hill will be controlled and I do ask that all employees ensure that their IDs are visible at all times. I have also asked for a review of screening protocols and will report the results to the board as well.

I also asked my staff to ensure that the employee assistance program is available to anyone who needs a little more support in dealing with yesterday’s terrible ordeal.

Finally, I will be ordering a comprehensive review of all actions that were taken yesterday, examining our security systems and procedures, identifying what worked, and making improvements where necessary.

Members will ask, indeed Canadians will ask, how this came to occur and what specifically will be done to prevent future occurrences. These are legitimate questions and they require comprehensive answers. I resolve to work with the leadership of all parties and indeed all Members to ensure that the House obtains answers to these vital and important questions.

I would like to briefly echo the sentiments that were expressed this morning, specifically thanking the brave men and women of our House of Commons security forces, the RCMP, and the Ottawa Police.

Our thoughts are also with Constable Son, who suffered a gunshot wound to the leg. Thankfully, I can report that he is in stable condition and expected to make a full recovery.

I would like to thank our own Kevin Vickers. On behalf of all Members, I add my voice of thanks for his bravery and courage.

Postscript

Significant changes were made to House of Commons and Parliament Hill security in response to the events of October 22, 2014.

The Joint Advisory Working Group on Security was created to study issues involving security and Parliament.^[2] On November 25, 2014, the Working Group made the decision to unify the security services of the House of Commons and the Senate.

On February 6, 2015, the government proposed a motion to invite, without delay, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) to lead operational security throughout the Parliamentary Precinct and on the grounds of Parliament Hill. The motion was adopted on February 16, 2015.^[3]

On May 7, 2015, the government introduced Bill C-59, An Act to implement certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on April 21, 2015 and other measures.^[4] Division 10 amended the Parliament of Canada Act to add provisions addressing parliamentary security. The bill established a new office, the Parliamentary Protective Service, which was made responsible for all matters with respect to security throughout the Parliamentary Precinct and on Parliament Hill. The Service was put under the responsibility of the Speakers of both Houses. Pursuant to an arrangement between the Speakers of the Senate and the House of Commons, as well as the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, the RCMP was made responsible for the management of the new Service by means of a Director who reports to and acts under the direction of the Speakers. The Director is employed by the RCMP. The bill received Royal Assent on June 23, 2015.