The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, issued the following statement today before his visit to La Loche, Saskatchewan:

“Today, I will visit La Loche, Saskatchewan, to personally express the country’s shock and sadness over last week’s tragic shootings.

“It is both heartbreaking and devastating when lives so full of promise are taken from us too soon. On January 22^nd, four Canadians were senselessly killed. Seven more were injured, and the lives of countless others were altered by these terrible events.

“I would like to extend my most heartfelt sympathies to the families of the victims, and I would like to wish a rapid recovery to all those injured. Together, as a country, we join in mourning with the people of La Loche.

“I look forward to personally thanking the first responders – the RCMP and medical personnel – for their courage and professionalism. I have also been deeply moved by the courage of the families and friends of the victims, the mental health workers, the school’s personnel and students, the mayor, and Indigenous leaders.”