RCMP MASSACRE: REACTION

A Sampling Of The Reaction To The Murders Of Four RCMP Officers Thursday:

Prime Minister Paul Martin:

"This terrible event is a reminder of the sacrifice and bravery of the men
and women who serve in our national police force. Canadians are shocked by
this brutality and join me in condemning the violent acts that brought
about these deaths."

Public Safety Minister Anne McLellan:

"Clearly (Justice) Minister Cotler and I will want to take a look at
whether we have the right resources being used in the right ways and
whether we have the right laws. Have we given the RCMP and other forces the
right tools they need to deal with what is an amazing growth, quite
truthfully, in these operations."

Premier Ralph Klein:

"These four officers gave their lives for the most noble of causes:
upholding the law and maintaining the peace of the community. That such an
unspeakable tragedy should befall them weighs heavy on the hearts of all
Albertans."

Alberta Solicitor General Harvey Cenaiko:

"I know that every time police officers go into the field, their lives are
at risk. I pray for the families of those RCMP officers who died protecting
the safety of Albertans."

Geoff Plant, attorney-general of British Columbia:

"I think there is an attitude that is part of our culture in British
Columbia that thinks that a grow-op is just your neighbour making a couple
of bags of marijuana for some of his friends. Whether that was ever true --
20 or 30 years ago -- it's sure not true today.

Yellowhead Conservative MP Rob Merrifield:

"If it wasn't for the drug problem in the riding, it'd be like Mayberry out
here. You feel awful for the families and friends of the victims. They put
their life on the line every day. But it's frustrating when you have a
serious drug problem in the community."