Trudeau, Moe send messages remembering fifth anniversary of La Loche school shooting

Friday marks the fifth anniversary of the La Loche school shooting, which resulted in four deaths and injuries to seven others.

In honour of the date, the Northern Lights School Division released a video remembering the lives of Dayne and Drayden Fontaine, Marie Janvier and Adam Wood, who were murdered Jan. 22, 2016 in La Loche.

The video also included a moment of silence for those injured including Noah Elliot, Taylor Haineault, Kianna Janvier, Charlene Klyne, Phyllis Longobardi, Christie Montgrand and Jenne Montgrand.

Among those to appear in the video are Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Premier Scott Moe, MLA Buckley Belanger, La Loche Mayor Georgina Jolibois and NLSD chairperson Rick Laliberte.

Trudeau called the school shooting a senseless moment of violence no one should have to go through.

“I want you to know you are not alone. Even from afar, I stand with you and I mourn with you,” he said. “We all wish we could turn back the clock, that we can change what happened that day. Of course, we can’t change the past, we can only change the future and that means listening to you on what can help your community heal.”

Trudeau said the federal government is willing to provide funding for new programs or resources for the school, language and culture-based programs, on-the-land activities or mental health services for students. He also encouraged those struggling with the anniversary to reach out for help.

Moe said La Loche witnessed an outpour of support from across Saskatchewan, Canada and the world. He said the day was about remembering the lives of four people cut short, as well as those who suffered injuries.

Moe also said the day was about reflecting on the past five years and the healing that still continues.

“They will be in the hearts and minds of Saskatchewan people as you continue down this road of healing,” he said. “I know the strength and resiliency of the people of La Loche will not only build a better tomorrow for future generations in La Loche, but you’ll also be a beacon of hope for future generations across Saskatchewan.”

Randan Dakota Fontaine, who was 17 at the time of the murders, was sentenced as an adult on two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of second-degree murder and seven counts of attempted murder and given a life sentence with no chance of parole for 10 years.

Derek Cornet, larongeNOW