Quebec is holding a ceremony on Sunday afternoon in memory of the victims of the sword attack that left two dead and five injured in the national capital a year ago.
Hairdresser Suzanne Clermont, 61, and museum worker François Duchesne, 56, lost their lives after being attacked on Halloween night by a man wearing a medieval costume, armed with a sword of Japanese style.
The outgoing mayor, Régis Labeaume, paid tribute to the deceased, but also to those who were injured “in their bodies and in their souls”, in order to “accompany them in their healing”. He praised “the smile of Suzanne Clermont, the kindness of François Duchesne and the courage of those who are recovering from tragedy”.
He announced the upcoming inauguration of a commemorative stele, where it will be inscribed that the memory of the victims “is forever engraved in the heart of our city”.
The mayor also pleaded so that his citizens try to “invest themselves personally and collectively in the benevolent acceptance” of the other.
The ceremony took place in three places in Old Quebec linked to the event: the forecourt of the town hall, the Suzanne-Clermont space and the Place d’Armes.
“Today, we remember the two victims. We think of their loved ones and all those affected directly or indirectly, ”Prime Minister François Legault wrote on Twitter. He called the events a “tragedy”, where “a man savagely attacked passers-by”.
A year ago, Quebec was going through a tragedy. A man savagely lashed out at passers-by who were trying to enjoy their evening in Old Quebec.
Today, we remember the two victims. We think of their loved ones and all those affected from near or far.– François Legault (@francoislegault) October 31, 2021
The alleged killer, Carl Girouard, of Sainte-Thérèse, faces two counts of first degree murder and five counts of attempted murder. He is still awaiting trial.