Watch above: Attacks on Canadian soldiers have heightened security at military bases across the country. The new measures affect every man, woman and even child who wears a uniform. Fletcher Kent has more.
EDMONTON – One day after a soldier was shot and killed while guarding the War Memorial in Ottawa, life at and around the Canadian Forces Base in Edmonton looks very different.
“It’s strange,” said Aaron Lang, owner of Hot Philly’s, a restaurant located a few kilometres south of CFB Edmonton.
On any given day, Lang says the restaurant sees dozens of Canadian Forces members come and go for lunch and dinner. But that wasn’t the case Thursday.
While CFB Edmonton remained open Thursday, increased security measures have been implemented.
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Following the shooting in Ottawa Wednesday and a hit-and-run that killed a solider in Quebec Monday, all Canadian bases have been ordered to increase protection measures. Officials won’t say exactly what those measures are for security reasons.
“With these recent attacks, I’ve ordered that force protection measures at bases and wings across Canada be increased,” said Gen. Tom Lawson, Canada’s chief of defence staff.
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“The safety and security of our members, our families and our civilian partners is our priority.”
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In addition, all Canadian soldiers have been ordered to stay out of uniform unless they are on duty. Lawson says the move has been made to “minimize unnecessary exposure in public.”
“Let me be clear, we will not hide,” Lawson said. We will not be deterred, nor intimidated from our duties. These attacks on our members and on our institution will not shake our resolve.”
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While Lawson says the heightened security measures are temporary, those around the base say life is much different than it was just two days ago.
“It’s sad because, obviously, they’re not here,” said Lang of the soldiers he usually serves. “I like seeing them in here. People feel safe when there’s troops in here; they just feel like nothing is going to happen.”
Flags at the base were lowered to half mast Thursday; as they were at other bases, government buildings and businesses across Canada.
With files from Fletcher Kent, Global News.
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