OTTAWA — Spanish authorities say Canada is among 34 countries with citizens killed or injured in the terrorist attack in Barcelona.
Global Affairs says Canadians have been affected by the attacks, but did not provide further details, citing privacy reasons.
Canadians in Spain are advised to stay away from the Las Ramblas tourist area in Barcelona where an alleged terrorist drove a van into a crowd, killing at least 13 people and injuring more than 100.
A second attack occurred in the resort town of Cambrils south of Barcelona eight hours later, leaving one woman dead.
Global Affairs spokesman Austin Jean says the government is in contact with family members of Canadians affected by the attacks and is trying to gather more information.
"Our thoughts are with the Canadians who were affected by the terrorist attack that occurred in Barcelona," Jean said in a statement.
The department urged Canadians in Spain to let their loved ones know they are safe.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in a statement Thursday that he was "deeply saddened" by the news.
"While we cannot ignore the outrage we feel, together we must renew our commitment to protect the freedom found in societies that promote unity, openness and inclusion," wrote Trudeau, who has been out of the spotlight on a family vacation in British Columbia this week.
A Canadian killed in the Barcelona terrorist attack is the father of a VPD officer. Here is her statement: https://t.co/ySeKG0KE0B pic.twitter.com/mcuJU2qkh2
— Vancouver Police (@VancouverPD) August 19, 2017
"Spain, we grieve with you and denounce hate and violence in all of its forms. Canada will continue working with the international community to fight terrorism and build a world where we can all feel safe and secure."
Spanish authorities said the back-to-back vehicle attacks — as well as an explosion earlier this week in a house elsewhere in Catalonia — were related and the work of a large terrorist group. Four people were arrested in connection with the attacks.
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.
VPD OFFICER’S FATHER KILLED IN BARCELONA TERRORIST ATTACK
STATEMENT FROM VPD STAFF SERGEANT FIONA WILSON
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.
The family is asking the media to please respect their privacy in this difficult time. There is nothing further for release.
