Rallies being held across Canada to support French terrorism victims

MONTREAL – Rallies and vigils are being held in cities across Canada today, Jan. 11, in support of the victims of the recent terrorist attacks in Paris.

Thousands of people took part in a march in Montreal that ended at the French Consulate.

In Quebec City, Premier Philippe Couillard attended a similar event in honour of the 17 people who were killed in terrorist attacks on a French satirical newspaper, a kosher supermarket and on police.

"What we're saying in particular is, 'No to fanaticism, no to blind violence, the inhuman violence we have witnessed in the past few days, and yes to freedom,'" Couillard said.

The premier said the rallies in support of France were extremely important.

"We have to reaffirm our faith in democracy and freedom," he said. "The worst thing we could do would be to retreat into fear."

Other rallies are scheduled later for Ottawa, Toronto and Vancouver to honour those who died at the hands of al-Qaida-linked gunmen during three days of bloodshed.

The Canadian events come on the same day of a major unity rally in Paris to mourn the victims and to denounce terrorism.

Hundreds of thousands of people marched through the French capital, with Public Safety Minister Steven Blaney attending on behalf of the federal government.

The leaders of Britain, Germany, Israel and Palestine were also there, prompting the deployment of thousands of additional police personnel to enhance security.