Canada owes Kevin Vickers 'tremendous gratitude,' Yvonne Jones says

Liberal MP Yvonne Jones is joining a chorus of tributes to Seargant-at-Arms Kevin Vickers, whom she describes as a "kind, gentle" hero.

Jones was in her home riding of Labrador during Wednesday's chaotic attack on Parliament Hill. Although she was attending a mining conference, her thoughts have been focused on the shooting that killed a reservist and threw Parliament Hill into turmoil.

Jones said she was deeply impressed with the quick work of Vickers, who is credited with shooting the gunman, Michael Zehaf-Bibeau.

Jones said Vickers was one of the first people she met on Parliament Hill.

"An individual that just looks at you with this kind, gentle way, and at the same time was able to secure and ensure the safety of so many people ... and for him, we owe him tremendous gratitude," Jones told CBC News.

Vickers, 58, was in Parliament Hill's Centre Block when a gunman entered sometime after 9:52 a.m. Ottawa time.

On Thursday, MPs gave Vickers an extended standing ovation in tribute to his actions the day before. Many of them were in caucus meetings, just metres away from where shots were fired. 

Harris 'in shock' after shootings

Meanwhile, the national defence critic for the New Democratic Party said he was "in shock" as Wednesday's tragic events unfolded on Parliament Hill.

St. John's East MP Jack Harris was in the Parliament buildings when the incident happened.

"It's a horrifying incident, to know that some young man was doing ceremonial duty at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, out of honour and respect for the people who had made the ultimate sacrifice in previous wars — to be victimized like that and targeted," Harris said. 

Harris said his heart goes out to the soldier who was killed, Cpl. Nathan Carillo, and to all soldiers across Canada, who feel they could become targets.