‘Help us heal’: Pleas for mental health support 3 years after N.S. mass shooting

Three years after the worst mass killing in modern Canadian history, some are wondering why more mental health support still hasn't materialized.

Three years after the worst mass killing in modern Canadian history, some are wondering why more mental health support still hasn’t materialized.

During 22 hours beginning April 18, 2020, a gunman shot and killed 22 people — starting in Portapique, N.S.

As the province and country solemnly marked the grim anniversary on Tuesday, resident Shelley Tower is questioning why it’s taken so long to help the community.

“We need the gigantic response to the gigantic tragedy that happened here. But we’ve not got the gigantic help,” she said.

Tower has lived in the community of Bass River in Colchester County for 33 years. Her husband was born and raised there. Their children and grandson have also spent their lives there.

Since the tragedy, Tower said the community has changed. There’s a “burden” and a “sadness to this community.”

“People are not as quick to smile. They’re not as quick to laugh. Their eyes are dim. They walk slower,” she said.

“And the change in the camaraderie between people. The change in how we look at strangers. The change in daily interaction everywhere. People are becoming more isolated within their own groups, their own houses.“