On April 18, 2025, Nova Scotians paused to remember the victims of a horrific mass shooting that occurred five years earlier, a tragedy that left a profound mark on the province and the nation. The shooting, which began on the night of April 18, 2020, in the small community of Portapique, resulted in the deaths of 22 individuals and injuries to six others, making it the deadliest mass killing in Canadian history.
The events of that fateful night unfolded when Gabriel Wortman, disguised as a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), initiated a shooting spree that would last over 13 hours. Beginning around 10 p.m. in Portapique, Wortman set fire to his properties and opened fire on his neighbors, killing 13 people in just 40 minutes. Among the victims were Greg and Jamie Blair, Lisa McCully, Frank and Dawn Gulenchyn, Aaron Tuck, Jolene Oliver, Emily Tuck, Peter and Joy Bond, John Zahl, Elizabeth Joanne (Jo) Thomas, and Corrie Ellison.
As the sun rose the next day, Wortman continued his rampage, traveling to Wentworth, about a 35-minute drive north, where he murdered nine more individuals: Sean McLeod, Alanna Jenkins, Tom Bagley, Lillian Campbell Hyslop, Kristen Beaton, Heather O’Brien, Constable Heidi Stevenson, Joey Webber, and Gina Goulet. The killing spree ended when Wortman was shot dead by RCMP officers at a gas station near Halifax.
In a statement, Premier Tim Houston encouraged all Nova Scotians to observe a moment of silence at noon on April 18 and April 19 to honor those whose lives were tragically taken. “To all Nova Scotians – I encourage you to observe a moment of silence at noon on April 18 and April 19,” he said. “I also ask that you continue to be compassionate and supportive during this difficult time, honoring the privacy of the families and communities impacted and giving them space to grieve, reflect and remember.”
In addition to the moment of silence, flags at the Province House and all provincial government buildings were flown at half-mast for two days. Premier Houston expressed his solidarity with the families and survivors, stating, “To the families, survivors and communities – I want you to know that Nova Scotians continue to have you all in our thoughts and close to our hearts. I continue to be inspired by your courage and your strength. Know that we stand with you today and every day. We remain Nova Scotia Strong.”
The aftermath of the shooting left many Nova Scotians grappling with emotional and psychological trauma. Questions arose regarding how such a tragedy could occur without adequate response from law enforcement. The RCMP initially attributed Wortman’s actions to a domestic violence situation exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, a narrative that was widely accepted by both provincial and federal governments.
In the wake of the tragedy, families of the victims demanded answers, leading to the establishment of the Mass Casualty Commission (MCC). This public inquiry aimed to uncover the truth behind the events of April 2020 and the RCMP’s response. However, five years later, many families still feel that they are waiting for justice and accountability.
In total, the MCC spent two years and an estimated $50 million on its investigation, yet its final report, released in March 2023, failed to hold the RCMP accountable for their actions. The report included 130 recommendations, but critics argue that it did not adequately address the systemic failures that allowed the tragedy to occur.
Moreover, the MCC found itself hindered by Canadian legal restrictions that prevented it from investigating criminality. This limitation meant that the commission could not explore the possibility that Wortman had a special relationship with the RCMP, which might have contributed to the events of that night. Instead, the MCC accepted the RCMP’s assertion that there was “no evidence” of such a relationship.
Families of the victims have also pursued legal action, filing two class-action lawsuits: one against Wortman’s estate, valued at $2.1 million, which has reportedly been settled, and another against the RCMP and the province of Nova Scotia, which remains stalled. Scott MacLeod, brother of victim Sean McLeod, expressed frustration over the lack of answers. “After five years, the biggest frustration is not knowing what happened to my brother at his house,” he lamented.
As Nova Scotians reflect on the tragedy, the memorial in Portapique continues to grow, serving as a poignant reminder of the lives lost and the impact of that dark chapter in the province’s history. The community remains united in its grief and determination to seek truth and justice for the victims.
Resources are still available for those affected by the tragedy, with the provincial mental health crisis line operating 24/7 at 1-888-429-8167. Premier Houston emphasized the importance of compassion and support during this challenging time, urging Nova Scotians to come together to honor the memory of those lost.
As the fifth anniversary of the shooting approaches, the call for accountability and the desire for closure resonate deeply within the hearts of many. The legacy of the victims and the ongoing quest for justice serve as a powerful reminder of the need for comprehensive reforms in policing and mental health support in Nova Scotia and across Canada.
