Ottawa vigilant as Canada 150 birthday party looms after London attack: mayor
OTTAWA — Canada’s capital will do everything it can to prevent an attack when it hosts the country’s 150th birthday next month but no amount of preparation can guarantee 100 per cent safety, Ottawa’s mayor says.
“When you see a tragedy that took place in London and on London Bridge and in Manchester, you think could that happen here and sadly, the answer is yes,” Mayor Jim Watson said Sunday, the day after the latest attack in Britain, on London Bridge, that left seven dead and scores injured.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said a Canadian was one of those killed. Family members identified her as Christine Archibald, originally from British Columbia.
With Ottawa preparing to host one of the largest Canada Day celebrations, Watson said there will be an extra security measures and a noticeable police presence on July 1, but that’s no guarantee.