Flowers lie on the plaque commemorating Cpl. Nathan Cirillo in Ottawa, on Oct. 22.Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press
Civilians who heard gunshots and rushed to the aid of Corporal Nathan Cirillo 10 years ago in Ottawa received a tribute in the House of Commons Tuesday.
Three civilians, in addition to three members of the military, came together to perform resuscitation efforts to help Cpl. Cirillo on Oct. 22, 2014. He did not survive.
The soldier, who was a father of one, had been shot three times in the back by a gunman at the National War Memorial. He was targeted because he was a member of the Canadian Armed Forces.
The civilians who came to help him are public servant Martin Magnan, government lawyer Barbara Winters and former nurse Margaret Lerhe.
Ms. Winters said she heard the shots while on nearby Sparks Street and she ran to help. She is often remembered for an interview she conducted with CBC Radio’s As it Happens, in which she said she told Cpl. Cirillo he was loved during efforts to save his life.
Unbeknownst to those at the Cenotaph, the shooter then went on to storm Centre Block on Parliament Hill. Gunfire broke out in the Hall of Honour, located directly outside of caucus meetings taking place that Wednesday for Conservatives and the New Democrats.
The 32-year-old gunman was then killed.
Civilians who came to Nathan Cirillo’s aid should be recognized, one former and one current MP say
Ten years after the attack on Ottawa, four Canadians reflect on the day that changed their lives
Ontario MP Charlie Angus, who on Parliament Hill at the time of the Ottawa attack was attending the NDP’s caucus meeting, paid tribute to the civilians who came to Cpl. Cirillo’s aid during remarks in the Commons on Tuesday.
He said the civilians represent the best of our nation and there is a piece of unfinished business from the tragedy that took place a decade ago: The House needs to pay tribute and honour the sacrifice of these individuals, he said.
A moment of silence was also held in the chamber Tuesday to remember the events of that day.
Mr. Angus’s decision to raise the matter of recognition for individuals who helped Cpl. Cirillo took place after he learned they have not been formally recognized, such as in a formal ceremony at Rideau Hall.
By contrast, 16 who were part of the response on Parliament Hill were formally lauded by former governor-general David Johnston in 2016.
Some received the Star of Courage, which recognizes acts of conspicuous courage in circumstances of great peril. Others were awarded the Medal of Bravery, which recognizes acts of bravery in hazardous circumstances.
Former Conservative leader Erin O’Toole said there has been an “omission” when it comes to the recognition of the group at the war memorial. Mr. O’Toole is calling on Gov.-Gen. Mary Simon to rectify this issue.
“The civilians did not have a chain of command to put them forward for recognition,” Mr. O’Toole wrote Tuesday on X. “This is not right.”
Everyone who rushed towards danger that day should be properly recognized, he added.
In response to queries from The Globe, Samantha Lafleur, a senior communications adviser at Rideau Hall, said a number of individuals stood out for their actions on Oct. 22, 2014.
She said 16 individuals were given Decorations for Bravery. The honours have levels, including the Star of Courage and Medal of Bravery. Ms. Lafleur said for Decorations of Bravery, nominations must be made within two years of an incident or within two years after a court or a coroner has finished a review.
Ms. Lafleur said 12 people were recognized with the Governor-General’s Commendation for Bravery. The commendation was created in 1993 to honour acts of selflessness in hazardous circumstances. The recognition comes with a pin that features a cluster of maple leaves.
Mr. Magnan said he received his commendation pin in the mail after he received correspondence from Rideau Hall.
Mr. Magnan, who was working for the Department of National Defence, found himself walking in downtown Ottawa on Oct. 22, 2014 when he heard three distinct gunshots.
He then ran to the aid of Cpl. Cirillo and participated in the efforts to save him. His role was to support Cpl. Cirillo’s legs. He was also holding on to Cpl. Cirillo’s left hand while he died.
The experience had a significant impact on his life, including a significant struggle with his mental health.
Mr. Magnan told The Globe that formal recognition from Rideau Hall a decade after the attack would mean a lot, both personally and to his family.
