The tightly-sealed details of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s visit to La Loche have finally been released to the public.
Just before noon, Trudeau and a delegation of ministers from his chamber are set to land in La Loche to meet with the families of those killed and injured in last Friday’s mass shooting.
So far, the Trudeau’s itinerary indicates his meetings will be at the Ducharme Elementary School.
A briefing was held around 9 a.m. at the school as the community prepared for Trudeau’s first trip to Saskatchewan since he’s been elected as Prime Ministers. At that time, the RCMP and other special vehicles parked outside the school as well.
By 10:30 a.m., security had set up on the road leading into the school, allowing only certain vehicles by.
Trudeau will be accompanied by Ministers Ralph Goodale, Jody Wilson-Raybould and Jane Philpott. Provincially, Premier Brad Wall will also be joining. Former La Loche mayor and current MP Georgina Jolibois will also be present for meetings with the Prime Minister, aboriginal and local leaders.
Those include Assembly of First Nations National Chief Perry Bellegarde and Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations Chief Bobby Cameron, and acting mayor Kevin Janvier.
Media won’t be able to speak to Trudeau until 4 p.m. In advance of his arrival, Trudeau released the following statement:
“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 22nd, 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.”