SUDBURY -- Police from across the province are planning a tribute following the loss of one of their own in the tragic shooting in Nova Scotia.
The National Police Federation (NPF), along with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), is encouraging all Canadians from across the country to wear red this coming Friday, after the tragic killing of Constable Heidi Stevenson and many other innocent victims killed on April 19.
"This was an unimaginably tragic event that underscores the very real risk that our RCMP members face when they go to work every day to protect our communities," said Brian Sauvé, NPF president, in a news release. "Our hope is that this small gesture will help unite Canadians in a show of support for the RCMP and the families of all the victims of this tragic event."
In addition to wearing red, the movement encourages participants to use the hashtag #WearRedFriday to post photos, videos and messages of support.
With physical distancing being required due to the COVID-19 pandemic, police wanted to find a way to honour the victims.
"These are unusual times, as physical distancing and restrictions on gatherings make it harder to gather together and mourn as a nation," added Sauvé. "In better times, we would be able to come together in great numbers to show our appreciation, and so we hope by wearing red together on Friday, we can mourn these senseless losses and show all the families that we care."
