Flowers lie on the plaque commemorating Cpl. Nathan Cirillo in Ottawa, on Oct. 22.Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press
Civilians who heard gunshots and rushed to the aid of Corporal Nathan Cirillo 10 years ago in Ottawa received a tribute in the House of Commons, with MPs also holding a moment of silence to remember the events of Oct. 22, 2014.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and Ontario MP Charlie Angus spoke in the Commons to commemorate the events of that day and to praise security personnel and civilians who stepped up to help during what would later be deemed a terrorist attack.
Cpl. Cirillo, who was 24 years old and a father of one, was shot three times in the back by a gunman at the National War Memorial. He was targeted because he was a member of the Canadian Armed Forces and died from his injuries.
The gunman then went on to storm Centre Block on Parliament Hill. Gunfire broke out in the Hall of Honour, located directly outside of caucus meetings taking place that Wednesday for Conservatives and the New Democrats. The 32-year-old gunman was killed.
During his remarks, Mr. Angus said there is a piece of unfinished business from the tragedy: The House needs to pay tribute and honour the sacrifice of civilians who came to the soldier’s aid.
Three civilians – public servant Martin Magnan, government lawyer Barbara Winters and former nurse Margaret Lerhe – and three members of the military came together to try to save Cpl. Cirillo that day.
“There are heroes who have not been given their due,” Mr. Angus said.
“I think of Barbara Winters, who, when the shots rang out, did not run away. She ran into the danger. She held Nathan Cirillo and told him over and over again, ‘You are loved.’ What a beautiful moment. That is who we are. This is the best of our nation.”
Mr. Angus also pointed to the efforts of Mr. Magnan and Ms. Lerhe.
House of Commons Speaker Greg Fergus also recognized the contributions of Ms. Winters, Mr. Magnan and Ms. Lerhe in addition to the actions of others. He called the three civilians incredible Canadians who stepped into a dangerous situation to support Cpl. Cirillo “in his hour of need.”
Civilians who came to Nathan Cirillo’s aid should be recognized, one former and one current MP say
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Mr. Angus, who was on Parliament Hill at the time of the Ottawa attack attending the NDP’s caucus meeting, decided to raise the matter of recognition for individuals who helped Cpl. Cirillo after he learned they have not been formally recognized, such as in a formal ceremony at Rideau Hall.
By contrast, 16 who were part of the response on Parliament Hill were formally lauded by former governor-general David Johnston in 2016. Some received the Star of Courage, which recognizes acts of conspicuous courage in circumstances of great peril. Others were awarded the Medal of Bravery, which recognizes acts of bravery in hazardous circumstances.
Former Conservative leader Erin O’Toole said there has been an “omission” when it comes to the recognition of the group at the war memorial. Mr. O’Toole is calling on Governor-General Mary Simon to rectify this issue.
“The civilians did not have a chain of command to put them forward for recognition,” Mr. O’Toole wrote Tuesday on X. “This is not right.”
Everyone who rushed toward danger that day should be properly recognized, he added.
In response to queries from The Globe, Samantha Lafleur, a senior communications adviser at Rideau Hall, said a number of individuals stood out for their actions on Oct. 22, 2014.
She said 16 individuals were given Decorations for Bravery. The honours have levels, including the Star of Courage and Medal of Bravery. Ms. Lafleur said for Decorations of Bravery, nominations must be made within two years of an incident or within two years after a court or a coroner has finished a review.
Ms. Lafleur said 12 people were recognized with the Governor-General’s Commendation for Bravery. The commendation was created in 1993 to honour acts of selflessness in hazardous circumstances. The recognition comes with a pin that features a cluster of maple leaves.
Mr. Magnan said he received his commendation pin in the mail after he received correspondence from Rideau Hall.
Mr. Magnan, who was working for the Department of National Defence, was walking in downtown Ottawa on Oct. 22, 2014, when he heard three distinct gunshots. He ran to the aid of Cpl. Cirillo and participated in the efforts to save him.
The experience had a significant impact on his life, including a significant struggle with his mental health.
Mr. Magnan told The Globe that formal recognition from Rideau Hall a decade after the attack would mean a lot, both personally and to his family.
Members of the House of Commons marked the 10th anniversary of the 2014 terrorist shooting on Parliament Hill with a moment of silence and tributes to Cpl. Nathan Cirillo who was killed while on sentry duty at the National War Memorial. NDP MP Charlie Angus spoke emotionally to Parliament about the civilians who came to Cpl. Cirillo’s aid, who he said had not been properly recognized. MPs also recognized Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent, who was killed in a targeted hit-and-run by an Islamic-extremist in Quebec days before the Parliament Hill shooting.
The Globe and Mail