Statement by the Prime Minister on the anniversary of the murder of four RCMP constables near Mayerthorpe, Alberta

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement on the anniversary of the murder of four RCMP constables near Mayerthorpe, Alberta on March 23, 2005.

“Today, on behalf of the Canadians, I wish to pay tribute to four brave law enforcement officers, who were brutally slain in the line on duty one year ago today.

RCMP Constables Anthony Gordon, Lionide Johnston, Brock Myrol and Peter Schiemann died while protecting the people of their community. All Canadians, no matter where they live, expressed their shock and sadness at these senseless killings. Now, one year later, we pause to remember their sacrifice and to reflect on the dangers faced by all law enforcement officers in Canada.

Our Government is committed to ensuring the safety of Canada’s communities. Specifically, that means making sure that those who break the law will face the appropriate punishment, and providing law enforcement agencies with the legislative tools and financial resources they need to protect Canadians. We will do our best to ensure that tragedies similar to the one which unfolded near Mayerthorpe last year will never happen again.

To the families and friends of the four police officers involved, I wish to express, on behalf of the people of Canada, our sincere condolences on your loss.”

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The Prime Minister’s Office - Communications