Canadian woman Chrissy Archibald, 30, of Castlegar, B.C. was killed in Saturday’s London terror attack that left seven dead and dozens injured.
“We grieve the loss of our beautiful, loving daughter and sister,” the family said in a statement released on Sunday, adding that she had moved to Europe to be with her fiancé.
Ms. Archibald “had room in her heart for everyone and believed strongly that every person was to be valued and respected,” the family said, noting she worked at a homeless shelter prior to moving overseas. “She would have had no understanding of the callous cruelty that caused her death.”
The family asked that people honour her memory by helping to improve their communities.
“Volunteer your time and labor or donate to a homeless shelter,” the statement said. “Tell them Chrissy sent you.”
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned the attack on Sunday, adding: “I am heartbroken that a Canadian is among those killed,” he said in statement on Sunday.
“We grieve with the families and friends of those who have lost loved ones, and wish all those injured a speedy and full recovery.”
Mr. Trudeau added: “Londoners and people across the United Kingdom have always displayed strength and resilience in the face of adversity. We recently witnessed this after the attacks in Manchester and in the Westminster area of London. This time will be no different.”
“These hateful acts do not deter us; they only strengthen our resolve. Canadians stand united with the British people. We will continue to work together with the United Kingdom and all our allies to fight terrorism and bring perpetrators to justice.”
The government and diplomats on the ground in London advised travellers to avoid the affected areas, follow the instructions of local authorities and monitor local media.
Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer said that he was “shocked and appalled” by the attack and that Canada would always stand with the people of London.
“Throughout history, Canada and the United Kingdom have stood shoulder to shoulder against threats to our common way of life. Canadians abhor the ongoing acts of violence committed in Europe and the world by the contemptible failures drawn to groups like ISIS.”
NDP Leader Tom Mulcair also tweeted his support to the U.K.
“Our love to the families of the murdered and victims of the London attack – we stand with the UK during this difficult time,” he wrote.
Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne said in a tweet that Canadian hearts were heavy with the news of the violence in London.
The carnage began around 10 p.m. local time when police and witnesses said a white van barrelled into pedestrians on London Bridge.
They said three men armed with large knives then fled the van and started attacking people at bars and restaurants in nearby Borough Market.
Police said at least seven people were killed and more than 40 others were wounded, some critically. Within eight minutes of receiving the first emergency call officers shot and killed the three suspected assailants.
DANIEL LEBLANC
OTTAWA — The Globe and Mail
Published Saturday, Jun. 03, 2017 8:49PM EDT
Last updated Monday, Jun. 05, 2017 8:32AM EDT