Ottawa shooting tightens security measures in Nova Scotia

In light of the fatal shooting of a soldier standing guard at the National War Memorial in downtown Ottawa Wednesday, security measures were tightened at public institutions across the country.

At Province House in Halifax, only politicians, staff and reporters showing valid identification were allowed at the legislature today, unless an individual had an appointment.

A source told CBC News the Royal Canadian Navy was planning to send its staff home early today.

Halifax’s police chief, Jean-Michel Blais, was expecting to speak with the navy Wednesday afternoon discuss whether any police presence was needed at its facilities. Blais said that while there was no defined threat here, it was important to be vigilant.

Another source within the navy told CBC News the navy issued specific instructions to its personnel regarding uniforms. They were asked to stay in their buildings and restrict movement while in uniform.

This comes on the heels of a document military staff at the Halifax Armoury on Agricola Street received Tuesday. The document ordered additional measures "to increase vigilance and awareness levels throughout the Canadian Armed Forces."

The document ordered military personnel:

• Not to post pictures of themselves in uniform.
• Not to accept social media friendships from people they do not know or haven’t had regular contact with.
• To be aware of who they are talking to outside of work, including family members.

A military officer at the Halifax Armoury on Agricola Street, who declined to give his name, told CBC News Wednesday he was alerted to today’s situation in Ottawa by an email sent out to staff that advised members to be on alert and travel in twos.  

At CFB Halifax – Stadacona, the military base reduced its points of entries from five gates to two.

Cape Breton-Canso MP Rodger Cuzner told CBC News the Liberals have closed their constituency offices across Canada.

Staff at the court houses in Nova Scotia were told to stay alert.

"Government owned buildings, including court houses, have security procedures in place," said Andrew Preeper, a spokesperson for the Department of Justice.

"The safety of everyone in our facilities is a top priority and staff have been advised to be alert."