Moment of silence for Paris, Beirut at Canada Council for the Arts gallery

A moment of silence was held inside the Canada Council for the Arts on Elgin Street at noon Monday as an expression of peace and solidarity following the attacks in Paris, Beirut and elsewhere in the world. 

Approximately 300 people, members of the arts community and the general public, gathered at Âjagemô gallery in downtown Ottawa this morning.

We must stay united, we must stay strong, and  we must stay Canada.- Melanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage

The Minister of Canadian Heritage, Mélanie Joly, attended the event and made brief remarks following a moment of silence at noon.

Joly used the occasion to restate the federal government's commitment to bringing Syrian refugees to Canada, as the right thing to do.

"It's important to show the entire country that we are united, although we are going through difficult times, and it's important to show that Canada is an inclusive society which will welcome great people who will be coming in soon, of course I'm talking about Syrian refugees," said Joly.

'More important than ever to be together'

Simon Brault, President and CEO of the Canada Council of the Arts, invited members of the arts community to share a moment of unity and sadness, in the aftermath of the violent attacks on citizens in Paris and Beirut.

"We think its more important than ever to be together, to be united, to face our fears and to let people who try to break freedom, to break freedom of speech, that we won't [surrender]," Brault told a crowd of representatives from local arts institutions, including the Canadian Museum of History and the National Arts Centre.

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Meanwhile, the French flag continues to fly outside the Heritage building at Ottawa City Hall on Monday. On Saturday, Mayor Jim Watson ordered the flag to fly for three days.

People have been leaving flowers at the French Embassy on Sussex Drive, and gathered at the park beside the embassy Saturday afternoon. 

A book of condolences was started at the vigil Saturday and is being circulated within the community. It is not on display at one location and it will be presented to the French ambassador later this week.

A vigil was held Sunday at Nepean Point near the National Art Gallery.