‘We remain Nova Scotia Strong’: Province marks 5 years since mass shooting

This weekend marks five years since the mass shooting in Nova Scotia.

Nova Scotia will mark five years since Canada’s worst mass shooting this long weekend.

“As each day, month and year passes, we continue to reflect and remember those lost, and we continue to support survivors,” said Premier Tim Houston in a statement Thursday.

“These events were deeply felt by all Nova Scotians, but no one can truly understand the depth of the loss for those most impacted.”

It started the night of April 18, 2020, when Gabriel Wortman assaulted his partner, Lisa Banfield, of 19 years at his home in Portapique, N.S.

Banfield, who managed to escape that night, was left with fractured ribs and vertebrae.

The gunman, who was dressed as a Mountie and driving a car that looked like an RCMP vehicle, then killed 13 people in the community and set fire to several homes. He managed to escape Portapique, located along the Bay of Fundy, while police started to search the area.

The next day, the killer continued to evade police in his fake cruiser, murdering another nine people across northern and central Nova Scotia before he was shot dead by two police officers at the Big Stop located along Highway 102 in Enfield, N.S.

“To the families, survivors and communities – I want you to know that Nova Scotians continue to have you all in our thoughts and close to our hearts,” said Houston. “I continue to be inspired by your courage and your strength. Know that we stand with you today and every day. We remain Nova Scotia Strong.”

The lives lost

Twenty-two people and an unborn child lost their lives during the 2020 mass shooting:

• Tom Bagley
• Kristen Beaton and her unborn child
• Greg and Jamie Blair
• Joy and Peter Bond
• Lillian Campbell
• Corrie Ellison
• Gina Goulet
• Dawn and Frank Gulenchyn
• Alanna Jenkins and Sean McLeod
• Lisa McCully
• Heather O’Brien
• Jolene Oliver, Aaron Tuck and Emily Tuck
• Const. Heidi Stevenson
• E. Joanne Thomas and John Zahl
• Joey Webber

Moment of silence

Houston is encouraging Nova Scotians to observe a moment of silence at noon on both April 18 and 19.

“I also ask that you continue to be compassionate and supportive during this difficult time, honouring the privacy of the families and communities impacted and giving them space to grieve, reflect and remember,” reads Houston’s statement.

On April 18 and 19, flags at Province House in Halifax and at all provincial government buildings and institutions will fly at half-mast.

“I encourage citizens, businesses and community organizations that fly flags to join us,” said Houston.

The Municipality of Cumberland will also be lowering flags to half-mast at all municipal properties from Thursday to Tuesday.

“It’s important for us as a community to pause, reflect and remember the lives lost and honour the survivors, the families and all of those who have been impacted,” said Mayor Rod Gilroy in a news release. “No amount of time will ever diminish the horrible memories of those days.”

Anyone who is struggling and needs support can contact Nova Scotia’s mental health crisis line 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling 1-888-429-8167.

Mass Casualty Commission

Just over two years ago, an inquiry into the mass shooting issued 130 recommendations aimed at preventing a similar tragedy.

“We remain committed to monitoring and reporting publicly on the initiatives that the governments of Canada and Nova Scotia, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, are undertaking in response to the Mass Casualty Commission final report,” said Myra Freeman, chair of the Mass Casualty Commission’s Progress Monitoring Committee, in a statement.

“We will take the time to mourn and reflect, and then we will continue our work.”

In November, the committee said progress is being made to implement the recommendations, but noted there is still a lot of work to do.

The Progress Monitoring Committee has a three-year mandate and meets quarterly.

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page