Canadian killed in Barcelona terror attack father of VPD officer

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BARCELONA, SPAIN (NEWS 1130) – The Canadian killed in yesterday’s Barcelona terror attack was the father of a Vancouver-area police officer.

Staff Sergeant Fiona Wilson says her father was a compassionate, generous, and adventurous man, who was a much-loved husband, father, brother, and grandfather.

Read Staff Sgt. Wilson’s full statement

My dad, Ian Moore Wilson, was a much-loved husband, father, brother, and grandfather, who lived a healthy, active life alongside his partner of 53 years, my mum, Valerie. He was compassionate, generous, adventurous, and always game for a lively debate, a good book, exploring new places, and a proper-sized pint.

In the midst of this tragedy, my dad would want those around him to focus on the extraordinary acts of human kindness that our family has experienced over the past several days, and that is exactly what we intend to do.

From our policing colleagues and friends at the Vancouver Police Department and the RCMP, who have been unwavering in their love and support; to Albert, who threw a family member on the back of his scooter to rush him to the hospital after tragedy struck; to the Air Canada employee who offered up a personal discount pass to make emergency flights more affordable; to the people who assisted my dad in his final moments, and those who focused on my mum’s urgent medical attention and aftercare; and to the Catalonian first responders who put their lives at risk for the safety of others.

These are the things we will choose to focus on when we endeavour to come to terms with the senseless violence and acts of hatred that have taken loved ones before their time. My dad’s passing leaves an immense void in our tight-knit family. He was desperately loved by us all and will be dearly missed.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau confirmed a Canadian was among the 13 people killed earlier today in a statement, adding four other Canadians were hurt. He says our country joins the world in grieving the senseless loss of so many innocent people, and is urging everyone to stand firm against the hate and intolerance.

According to the Spanish civil guard, the dead and injured in the Las Ramblas attack include people from 34 countries.

Yesterday, Global Affairs Canada said no Canadians were among the dead or injured. However, in a statement on Friday, Global Affairs Canada said Canadians were affected in the attack but did not provide details.

Canadians in Spain who require emergency consular assistance can contact the Consulate of Canada in Barcelona at +34 93 270 3614 or, call the government’s 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre at +1 613 996 8885, or email sos@international.gc.ca.

On Thursday, a van plowed into pedestrians on Las Ramblas in Barcelona, killing at least 13 people and injuring dozens others. ISIS quickly claimed responsibility. Four people are in custody.

Las Ramblas is a pedestrian mall lined with cafes and souvenir kiosks. There are two narrow service roads running along either side of the pedestrian mall.

Canadian Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer tweeted: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims. We stand together condemning these horrific acts of terrorism.”

NDP Leader Tom Mulcair called it terrible news: “We stand with Spain and all those impacted by this terror attack.”

Authorities were still reeling from the Barcelona attack when police in the popular seaside town of Cambrils, about 130 kilometres to the south, fatally shot five people near the town’s boardwalk who had plowed into a group of tourists and locals with their blue Audi 3. Catalonia’s interior minister, Joaquim Forn, told Onda Cero radio they were wearing fake bomb belts.

One woman died Friday from her injuries in the Cambrils attack, Catalan police said on Twitter. Five others were injured.

Amid heavy security, Barcelona tried to move forward Friday, with its iconic Las Ramblas promenade quietly reopening to the public and King Felipe VI and Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy joining thousands of residents and visitors in observing a minute of silence in the city’s main square.

“I am not afraid! I am not afraid!” the crowd chanted in Catalan amid applause.

The dual attacks unnerved a country that hasn’t seen an Islamic extremist attack since 2004, when al-Qaeda-inspired bombers killed 192 people in co-ordinated assaults on Madrid’s commuter trains. Unlike France, Britain, Sweden and Germany, Spain has largely been spared, thanks in part to a crackdown that has netted some 200 suspected jihadis in recent years.

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