Northern Sask. MP thanks Canadians in wake of La Loche shooting

Member of Parliament Georgina Jolibois stood and delivered an emotional thank you in the House of Commons Tuesday nearly a month after a shooting rocked the remote northern community of La Loche.

Only a few months after entering Parliament as the New Democrat MP for Desnethé—Missinippi—Churchill River, the former mayor of the community was dealing with her first major crisis.

“Mr. Speaker, when I first stood in this House and spoke about my community, I never could have imagined that the next time I would say the name of La Loche here would be in the wake of the painful events of Jan. 22, 2016. As we learn more about what happened and the acts of heroism and courage by the people in my school, I am thankful to the local fire department, the RCMP, and the other first responders.”

Her voice quivered as she went on to thank people who sent their thoughts and prayers to La Loche and the Clearwater River Dene Nation.

“I am thankful for the comfort they have given us, for the strength they have given us, and for the hope they have given us. With the help of the government and the support of all Canadians, together we can rebuild La Loche and the Clearwater River Dene Nation.”

Brothers Dayne and Drayden Fontaine were killed in a home in La Loche when a 17-year-old allegedly opened fire on them before heading to the community school where Adam Wood and Marie Janvier were shot and killed.