This week, talk centred around tragedy. Our country, a country where we pride ourselves on peace, somehow felt a little more vulnerable. Our sense of security and safety were compromised.

Perhaps we are naive. Perhaps we have been so fortunate to live in this country, that we forget the daily struggles faced by so many in other parts of the world. The incidents that occurred in Montreal and Ottawa occur daily in many countries. It is big news here precisely because of our belief that we are immune to this kind of violence.

Despite a little shake up, I remain thankful to live in a country where there is not a gun in every home, militia parading the streets or children recruited as soldiers. The shake up serves as a reminder of how fortunate we are to be able to trust our police, to vote, to walk the dog, to go to school and work each day without the threat of violence. Just ask one of many immigrants who have lived the realities of violence, war and mistrust.

And though we practice lock-downs in our schools, I say to our students, “The chance of something happening is very small, but it’s better to be prepared.” The best part is, I don’t say it simply to reassure the students, I say it because I believe it.

“God keep our land, glorious and free!”