It is with immense sadness that the Canadian Association of Professional Employees joins all Canadians in extending its deepest condolences to members of the Portapique community of Northern Nova Scotia, and to the broader RCMP family, following the senseless shooting that took 22 lives, on Saturday April 18.
These innocent victims were part of a close-knit community and are being mourned by family, friends, neighbours and colleagues. Their sudden death will leave a painful wound that will take a long time to heal.
Among the victims was Constable Heidi Stevenson, a 23-year member of the force and mother of two, who fell in the line of duty on April 18 while serving and protecting her community. RCMP officers and members of the law enforcement community take great risks to protect Canadians, and sometimes at great costs. We send special thoughts to our RCMP civilian members for the loss of one of their colleagues.
Alanna Jenkins and Sean McLeod, two employees of Correctional Service of Canada, were also among the victims. They too were part of our broader federal public service family. Alanna Jenkins was a Correctional Manager at Nova Institution for Women, and Sean McLeod was a Correctional Manager at Springhill Institution.
We send special thoughts to our RCMP civilian members and Correctional Service Canada members for the loss of their colleagues.
This tragedy is difficult to bear and we stand in solidarity with every one who must persevere during these, already, trying times. Many will have to commiserate remotely or in small gatherings due the health measures put in place, which will make grieving ever more painful.
We hope that members of the bereaved community will find comfort knowing that millions of Canadians keep them in their hearts. We send them our thoughts of support.
On behalf of the CAPE membership,
Greg Phillips
President
