Canada Day celebrated amidst tight security

Canada Day was held under tighter security on Parliament Hill, with the RCMP checking bags and screening visitors braving the rainy weather to celebrate their country’s 148th anniversary.
It was the first major event in downtown Ottawa since Michael Zehaf-Bibeau killed a ceremonial guard at the War Memorial and stormed Parliament on Oct. 22, 2014. The increased police presence was a direct response not only to that day’s events, which highlighted security gaps on the Hill, but also a series of other attacks around the world linked to Islamic State militants and other jihadis.

“Looking at what is going on around the world over the last couple of months, we’re definitely making sure that everybody can spend the day here on Parliament Hill and celebrate this day,” said RCMP Assistant Commissioner Gilles Michaud, who was on the grounds of the Hill alongside dozens of his officers.
While Parliament Hill has long been open to the public, there is growing pressure on the Mounties to screen all visitors before they enter the precinct.
“You can expect that it may happen a bit more often, depending on the environment. It’s going to be day-by-day, depending on the events,” Assistant Commissioner Michaud said.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper spoke about prosperity and security as he arrived on the Hill, mentioning two themes that are key elements of his bid for re-election in the Oct. 19 general election.
“In times of never-ending economic and political turmoil in the world, our Canada is an island of stability. At this moment in history, there is no better place to live, to work and to raise a family,” Mr. Harper said in his speech to the crowd.
The Prime Minister added his thanks to the men and women in uniform who help to keep Canada “strong, united and free.”