Canada ‘Not Intimidated’ by Attack on Paris Newspaper, Says Harper

Canada ‘Not Intimidated’ by Attack on Paris Newspaper, Says Harper
Demonstrators hold candles and stickers reading “I am Charlie” during a gathering in Paris to show solidarity with those killed in an attack on satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo on Jan. 7, 2015. Prime Minister Stephen Harper has condemned the attack. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
The Canadian Press
1/7/2015
Updated:
1/7/2015

OTTAWA—Prime Minister Stephen Harper says he is angry and saddened by Wednesday’s “barbaric” attack against a Paris newspaper.

In a statement, Harper offers condolences to the families and friends of the 12 people killed in the assault and says Canada stands with France.

“This barbaric act—along with recent attacks in Sydney, (Australia), Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, and Ottawa—is a grim reminder that no country is immune to the types of terrorist attacks we have seen elsewhere around the world,” he said.

“Canada and its allies will not be intimidated and will continue to stand firmly together against terrorists who would threaten the peace, freedom and democracy our countries so dearly value. Canadians stand with France on this dark day.”

Masked gunmen stormed the office of satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo on Jan. 7, killing a dozen people before escaping.

On Twitter, NDP Leader Tom Mulcair said he was shocked and disgusted by the mass shooting, calling it senseless violence. Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau also condemned the attacks in a tweet, offering support to the people of France, the victims and their families.

Employment Minister Jason Kenney tweeted: “Outraged by the brutal terrorist attack against free speech in Paris today. This cult of violence must be stopped.”

In a statement, former governor general Michaelle Jean, now the secretary general of the Francophonie, called the killings a “frontal attack” on freedom of expression.