Greater Sudbury Mayor Brian Bigger has reacted to the weekend killings in a Quebec mosque, sending out his condolences on Twitter.
“I am deeply saddened by the tragedy in Québec and my thoughts are with the families and friends of all those affected by this violence,” Bigger tweeted
Monday. “The citizens of Greater Sudbury stand with those impacted by this tragedy and against senseless acts of violence.
“All flags at Tom Davies Square are being flown at half-mast in solidarity with the victims and those affected by the tragic events in Quebec.”
Six people between the ages of 35 and 70 were killed in the bloody massacre that took place Sunday at the Centre culturel islamique de Quebec mosque in Quebec City's Sainte-Foy neighbourhood.
At least 12 other people were taken to hospital, two of whom were in critical condition, said the Centre Hospitalier Universite Laval. Police had two people in custody Sunday night, but by midday Monday were describing one of them as a witness.
The incident took place after a chaotic weekend in the U.S., following a travel ban issued by the Donald Trump administration barring refugees from seven Muslim countries.
On Friday, Trump signed a 90-day executive order to stop citizens of seven Muslim countries — Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Somalia, Syria, Yemen and Libya — from entering the U.S. and to bar asylum seekers. The move created chaos at airports across the U.S. over the weekend as confusion abounded over who was affected by the ban and to what extent.
The ban prompted outrage around the globe.
In Ottawa, hundreds of people formed a human chain and surrounded the U.S. embassy in Ottawa chanting "No hate, no fear, refugees are welcome here."
Demonstrators drew links between the Trump administration's actions and Sunday's attack at the Quebec mosque.
In Sudbury, the organization committed to helping refugees come here issued a statement condemning the ban and praising Sudburians for helping those in need.
“As yesterday’s shooting at the Centre Culturel Islamique de Québec (showed), Canada is not immune from the effects of hatred and prejudice,” the release from Lifeline Sudbury said. “It is especially disturbing that Syrian refugees, who are among the world’s most vulnerable people, were singled out for indefinite exclusion.
“Lifeline Sudbury exists because, as Canadians, we value tolerance, diversity and pluralism. Since the first family from Syria arrived in Sudbury on Dec. 31, 2015, we have experienced this first-hand. We believe that this community stands out for its hospitality, generosity and kindness. And for this, Lifeline Sudbury thanks the residents of Sudbury and the many volunteers and donors who support our local sponsor groups. You have made our city a beacon to the world.”
And Laurentian University President Dominic Giroux posted a statement on social media from Universities Canada in response to Trump's order.
“This action affects students, faculty and staff at Universities Canada’s 97 member universities,” the statement said. “The executive order restricting travel into the U.S. affects research partnerships, international studies, academic conference participation, field visits and in some cases family relationships of our university students, faculty and staff.
“Universities Canada supports the call from the American Association of Universities for this ban to end as quickly as possible.”
