EMSB mourns the loss of life in local shooting incident

The English Montreal School Board will fly the flags at central head office in NDG at half mast in the memory of the two innocent victims who lost their lives in a shooting in the Côte des Neiges District – a police officer and a bystander.

“Our hearts are with the  families whose lives have been changed forever,” said EMSB Chair Joe Ortona. “No words can fully capture the depth of your pain, but we stand with you in it.  Our entire school board grieves with you and honour the memory of those taken from us.”

Mr. Ortona emphasized how the EMSB works exceptionally close with the Montreal Police Department. “We never take for granted   their steady, reassuring presence in our schools,” he commented. “Their commitment to protecting our students, teachers, and staff brings comfort to families and strengthens the sense of safety that every child deserves. Today, a police officer who served for a station in our territory, died in the line of duty and so did  a citizen just going about an average day. It could have been any of us, and that truth shakes a community.”

Immediately upon word of the shooting, EMSB schools in the immediate area went into lockdown mode. “It is shocking that such an incident can occur so close to home,” EMSB Director General Nick Katalifos  said. “I want to thank our staff for  following procedures with focus and compassion, creating stability when it was needed most.”

About the English Montreal School Board

With a youth and adult sector population of more than 33,000 students, the English Montreal School Board (EMSB) is the largest English public school board in Quebec. Established on July 1, 1998, when the province created new boards along linguistic lines, the EMSB network consists of 73 schools and centres. For more details, visit the EMSB website at www.emsb.qc.ca.