In the depths of such darkness, Toronto stands strong.
IN THE DEPTHS OF SUCH DARKNESS, HEROES EMERGE. — ALI EHSASSI
Yonge Street, the heartbeat of Toronto, stopped this week as violence tore through North York. As the member of Parliament for Willowdale, I was overcome by shock that this could happen in my riding. As a member of the community, I was heartbroken for my neighbours and friends. This monstrous act cut short the lives of people with bright futures and has interrupted the dreams of many others.
We are shaken and grieving, but I know that we are not broken. Already, there are online fundraising campaigns to support the families of victims, and I’ve had people calling me non-stop asking how they can help. As they did for Fort McMurray and Humboldt and on countless other occasions, Canadians from coast to coast to coast have responded with extraordinary humanity, generosity and empathy.
On Monday, I spent most of my day at the makeshift memorial that was set up right by Yonge Street and Finch Avenue where this tragedy began. People gathered together, laying flowers and placing candles. Every hour, more individuals joined the vigil. People came from work and brought their kids. I saw messages written in many of the languages of our diverse and vibrant community. That’s the strength of our beautiful city.
In the depths of such darkness, heroes emerge as our guiding lights. Our police officers, paramedics and firefighters rushed into danger to help our friends and neighbours. Toronto has the greatest first responders in the world and in times of trouble they are our aid and our comfort. The courage and discipline of Const. Ken Lam, who apprehended the suspect without firing a single shot, is a testament to all of our officers. Our paramedics used all of their skill and compassion to save lives. Witnesses near the site were not bystanders; they courageously stepped in to give first aid.
We owe them all our deepest gratitude for placing themselves in harm’s way without a second thought when the unimaginable happens. As Fred Rogers said, “(when we see) scary things in the news … Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” This week, even during one of our darkest hours, Toronto’s unbreakable will and generosity of spirit were on full display.
There will be time to seek justice for the victims. But for now, we must stand with each other, reaching out to support our fellow Torontonians. I am proud that the journalists covering this tragedy are sharing the story with integrity and sensitivity. In times like this, our media brings us together so we can stand in solidarity as a country. All Canadians are behind us, along with our friends from around the world. The Toronto Police Service, the OPP and the RCMP are all working together, united by a common cause. I spoke to the prime minister, who expressed his deepest sympathies for everyone affected, and Premier Kathleen Wynne and Toronto Mayor John Tory have been at the scene.
We will never be the same after April 23, but in time we will heal. Toronto is, and always will be, the best city in the world.