CONTENT WARNING: The following contains detailed descriptions that may be distressing to individuals who have encountered sexual violence or know someone who has.
Following the recent tragic incident in Tumbler Ridge, B.C., a well-known New Democrat has come forward to recount her harrowing experience surviving a school shooting and to offer support to those affected by the latest tragedy.
Anne McGrath, a prominent figure in progressive politics, held key roles within her party and notably worked as the national president, national director, and chief of staff to former Alberta NDP premier Rachel Notley.
Despite her public persona, McGrath’s personal history includes being a 17-year-old student at St. Pius X High School in Ottawa 50 years ago when a fellow student entered her classroom and initiated a shooting with a shotgun.
“Back then, no one openly discussed such incidents,” McGrath revealed during an interview with CBC’s Power & Politics host David Cochrane.
“The prevailing sentiment was to move forward, avoid dwelling on it, and keep silent, so I spent most of my life without sharing this with others,” she added.
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OCTOBER 27, 1975
The murder of Kim Rabot and the St. Pius X school shooting: All our coverage of the tragedy’s 50th anniversary
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OCTOBER 27, 1975
They survived one of Canada’s first high school shootings. Here’s what happened next
On October 27, 1975, a fellow student named Robert Poulin, who sat in front of McGrath in an algebra class, committed a heinous act by raping and killing 17-year-old Kim Rabot, a student at Glebe Collegiate Institute. Poulin then proceeded to St. Pius X High School with a sawed-off shotgun purchased from Giant Tiger, where he forcibly entered a classroom and opened fire, injuring several students, including McGrath.
Recalling the incident, McGrath described the lack of safety measures at the time, highlighting the absence of lockdown procedures and active shooter drills, which left students vulnerable and unprepared for such emergencies.
A Different Era, a Different Reaction
Reflecting on the aftermath, McGrath recounted the chaotic scenes that ensued, emphasizing the lack of communication and guidance in ensuring students’ safety post-incident.
She vividly remembered the sense of fear and uncertainty, sharing her experiences of navigating through the aftermath without the reassurance of modern communication tools or clear directives from authorities.
“The experience was surreal, and the impact lingers, instilling