WINNIPEG -When Winnipegger, Jaron Hart, first heard the news of the mass shooting in Quebec Sunday night he said he felt sick to his stomach.
“I couldn’t sleep,” Hart said. “I wanted to do something.”
Hart, chair of the not-for-profit group Manitobans for Human Rights, has organized a candlelight vigil on the steps of the Manitoba Legislature.
He’s asking people to show for 6 p.m, with speeches to begin at 6:15 p.m.
“This horrific lack of respect for innocent human lives is not tolerated in Canada,” Hart said. “The atrocity that occurred in Quebec City yesterday night represents an act of hatred and blind intolerance and has ignited a strong desire on the part of Canadians to hold immediate vigils across Canada to offer strong support for the victims of this massacre and their families.”
Both Mayor Brian Bowman and Deputy Premier Heather Stefanson are expected to speak, along with the Manitoba Islamic Association.
The vigil is expected to run until 7:15 p.m.
At 8 p.m all Winnipegers are invited to prayers at a mosque at 2445 Waverley St., mostly in English. The doors will be open to everyone regardless of faith, background or beliefs.