In the wake of Monday’s tragedy in Toronto that left 10 people dead and 14 injured, Morneau Shepell Ltd. has opened its crisis support line to anyone affected by the incident.
“Our deepest sympathies are with the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives, and our thoughts continue to be with those impacted by today’s events,” said Stephen Liptrap, president and chief executive officer at Morneau Shepell.
“We know many people will be searching for ways to cope with the realities of this incident and, as such, we have opened our 24/7 bilingual crisis hotline. We are here to help and encourage those seeking support to reach out.”
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While anyone affected by the incident can call the hotline at 1-844-751-2133, Morneau Shepell is also offering support, of course, through its employee assistant programs. Among the employers directly affected is Invesco Canada Ltd., whose employee, Anne Marie D’Amico, was the first victim identified by the media in Monday’s attack.
“Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with all those impacted by this tragic event,” Peter Intraligi, president of Invesco Canada, said in a statement.
“I can now confirm that unfortunately, one of our employees has succumbed to her injuries.”
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The Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, which has offices near the location of the van attack, has also confirmed one of its employees suffered an injury. “We are devastated by the tragic events of April 23, 2018, and the impact they have had on our community,” it said in a statement.
“We have been able to account for all Ontario Teachers’ employees and have identified one employee who has been injured.”
Toronto police, meanwhile, are looking to speak with anyone who witnessed Monday’s attack, in which a man drove into pedestrians on Yonge Street in North York. Police have since arrested Alek Minassian, 25, of Richmond Hill, Ont. He made his first court appearance on Tuesday morning and will return on May 10. He’s facing charges of 10 counts of first-degree murder and 13 counts of attempted murder.