There’s no question things will look decidedly different at Parliament Hill following the tragic events of Oct. 22.
Countless visitors to the nation’s capital have marveled at how enjoyable it is to have free range on the grounds and relatively easy access to the majestic bastions of democracy that are Canada’s Parliamentary buildings.
That welcoming and relaxed atmosphere, which for many has fostered an empowering sense of patriotism and connectivity, may be gone for good after Corporal Nathan Cirillo was gunned down at the National War Memorial and shots were fired inside Centre Block last Wednesday.
But Perth-Wellington MP Gary Schellenberger and Wellington-Halton Hills MP Michael Chong remain hopeful that any increased security on Parliament Hill won’t drastically alter the experience for visitors.
“I’m confident we can maintain a balance,” Chong said two days following the Oct. 22 shooting.
“We need to take a balanced approach between any possible gaps in security and our liberty and our freedoms.”
He told the Advertiser that House Speaker Andrew Scheer has stressed the tight security of the past week is “temporary” and any permanent changes will come following an in-depth review of the tragic events last Wednesday.
On Monday, just five days after the shooting, Scheer announced public tours had resumed on Parliament Hill, reassuring the public that the buildings will remain “both open and secure.”
Schellenberger said security may be more heavily armed, but he hopes visitors won’t notice major differences going forward.
“I think there can be some changes made that still will not restrict the public,” said Schellenberger, who noted one change could be the current employ of unarmed security guards.
“I’m quite sure there will be more RCMP officers or the arming of security guards.”
Regardless of what is decided, he expects the decision on changes will be made by officials in charge of security – and not by MPs.
“Things won’t quite be the same here on the Hill … but hopefully they can get back to close to normal,” he said.
One promise both MPs made to their constituents is that the business of the government will resume, unaffected.
“We can not allow these deranged individuals to interrupt our democratic way of life,” said Chong, who noted Parliament resumed sitting the day after the shooting.
“We are committed to carrying on with the business that people elected us to do. We will not be deterred or cowed into doing otherwise.”
In fact, within 90 minutes of the shooting, Chong advocated that Parliament resume sitting that very afternoon. However unrealistic that goal was in hindsight, the sentiment was shared by Schellenberger.
“If we could have got out of lockdown, we would have sat that afternoon,” he said. “It’s very important an event like this doesn’t disrupt this great country. We won’t let that happen.”
At the time of the shooting, Schellenberger was in a caucus meeting in Centre Block, along with other MPs and Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
He said Harper was addressing caucus when “all of a sudden there were shots.” Describing the sound as “horrendous,” Schellenberger said he heard a few shots, followed by a few more, “then a real barrage of shots … and then things quieted down.”
He noted a handful of “ex-service people” and another handful of ex-police officers in the room helped “keep the caucus calm, but we did barricade the door … we knew something serious was going on … When all you hear is the sound, you can only imagine what’s happening.”
Unlike members of the public, who were glued to the television, radio or Internet waiting for credible information, the caucus room received regular updates from authorities, Schellenberger explained.
Within a half hour of shots being fired in Centre Block, Kevin Vickers, the House of Commons Sergeant at Arms credited with taking out shooter Michael Zehaf-Bibeau, explained the entire incident to the caucus room, Schellenberger said.
He noted the room was under lockdown until 7:30pm that evening while security officials and police cleared the floors of the Parliament buildings.
“It was frustrating after a while, but they had one thing in mind and that was keeping us safe – and they did their job,” he said. Of the day’s events in general, he said, “It was something I hope … no one ever has to go through again.”
Chong was on his way to the caucus meeting when the events unfolded on Oct. 22 at around 10am.
He received an email from his staff stating there was a shooting, so he took a detour back to his office in the parliamentary precinct, where he remained under lockdown for several hours.
“I’m in my office right now … The situation is still unfolding,” Chong told the Advertiser by phone about an hour after shots were first reported.
“I take some comfort in the fact that I haven’t noticed any ambulances leaving [Parliament Hill],” he said.
Days later, Chong said he is grateful for the actions of House of Commons staff and security detail.
“We owe our lives to [those] brave men and women,” he said. Chong said he was very “emotional” and “proud” when MPs resumed sitting the day after the shooting – feelings that were echoed by Schellenberger, who noted there was “hardly a vacant seat” as Vickers led the procession into the House, carrying the ceremonial mace.
“The show of support for our Sergeant at Arms … was very moving,” said Schellenberger. “You could tell he was moved by the respect shown by the parliamentarians, but he was also likely moved by the events of the previous day.”
He noted members of parliament “were all united” in their resolve to resume their work and in their support of Vickers.
“Kevin was very stern with what he said, but I knew he was shaken,” said Schellenberger, noting that despite Vickers’ impressive law enforcement background, he likely never imagined he would have to take such action.
“But this goes to show it’s not just a ceremonial position,” he said of the Sergeant at Arms. “He’s the protector.”
Schellenberger said he appreciates all the support he received from constituents in the aftermath of the tragic events on Oct. 22.
“I can only say, ‘thank you’ … The Government of Canada will go on – and maybe even be stronger,” he said.
