Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the victims of the deadly shootings in La Loche, Sask., “will never be forgotten.”
Trudeau made the statement on the fourth anniversary of the shootings in the northern Saskatchewan community.
A gunman, just days shy of his 18th birthday, killed brothers Dayne and Drayden Fontaine at a home on Jan. 22, 2016.
He then drove to the high school where he killed teacher Adam Wood and teacher’s aide Marie Janvier. Seven other people were injured in the shooting.
“Today, we remember the victims, young people who were full of promise and potential. To the families, friends, and neighbours who carry with them immeasurable grief, we offer our deepest sympathies and support,” Trudeau said in a statement.
“This terrible loss will never be forgotten. But as the years pass, the people of La Loche will be defined by their determination to heal and rebuild, and their care for each other.”
Trudeau said the federal government has taken steps in the past year to support the community.
“In 2019, based on recommendations from the community, the federal government provided funding to continue support for cultural and language programs, on-the-land outdoor learning activities, and mental health services for students at Dene High School,” Trudeau said.
“In La Loche, I have met remarkable young people who refuse to let their dreams and hopes be extinguished by this senseless tragedy. Their strength reminds us that even out of darkness, hope will find a way. Every day, they show us the way forward.”
-
![]()
La Loche school shooter takes the stand at sentencing hearing to address victims -
![]()
Sentencing hearing for La Loche school shooter hears testimony about medical issues -
![]()
Request for a Gladue report will prolong sentencing hearing for La Loche school shooter -
![]()
Sentencing arguments for La Loche school shooter resume in Meadow Lake -
![]()
First week of testimony wraps at La Loche shooter sentencing hearing -
![]()
La Loche school shooting: teen told police he had regrets about the shooting -
![]()
More emotional testimony on day two of La Loche shooter sentencing hearing -
![]()
Sentencing hearing underway for youth who pleaded guilty in La Loche school shootings -
![]()
Sentencing hearing for La Loche school shooter to begin in Meadow Lake -
![]()
La Loche, Sask. marks one-year anniversary of tragic school shooting -
![]()
La Loche, Sask. still struggling according to community leaders -
![]()
Global Saskatoon year in review: #1 – La Loche school shooting -
![]()
Teen charged in La Loche school shootings pleads guilty to killing four people -
![]()
La Loche, Sask. shooting survivor calls on province to provide more support -
![]()
Additional support arriving to help La Loche, Sask. heal after tragic shootings -
![]()
La Loche high school reopens after shooting -
![]()
One month later: La Loche school reopens, accused appears in court -
![]()
Funeral held for Adam Wood, victim of La Loche shooting -
![]()
Some victims of La Loche shooting released from hospital -
![]()
How La Loche is honouring victims
The shooter pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of second-degree murder and seven counts of attempted murder.
He was sentenced in May 2018 as an adult to life in prison with no chance of parole for 10 years.
The adult sentence was upheld by the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal in a 2-1 decision.
The lawyer representing the shooter is seeking leave to appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada.
His name remains under a publication ban.
Comments