Prince George, B.C.- It is budget time at  Prince George  City Council, but  business was put on hold  for a moment.

“Today we are reminded of how fragile life and democracy can be” said Acting Mayor Garth Frizzell, as he reflected on the tragedy in Ottawa, which saw a Canadian soldier shot to death,  and a gunman run into the Hall of Honour at  the Parliament  Buildings, where  he was shot to death.

Frizzell called upon his Council colleagues and  those in the gallery to rise for  a moment of silence.

The flags at Prince George City Hall  have been lowered to half mast  as a show of respect.