Attack in Nice: French elected consular counsellor urges compatriots, Canadians to stay calm

A French consular official based in Toronto is calling on Canadians and the people of France to stay calm and not fall prey to religious and ethnic bigotry after last week’s attack in Nice that killed 84 people.

Marc Cormier, who is a consular councillor representing France in Ontario and Manitoba, spoke to CBC’s Metro Morning on Monday, the same day his country observed a minute of silence for the victims who died when a cargo truck plowed into a Bastille Day crowd. It was the third attack in France in 18 months.

« It’s deja-vu … it’s almost become a routine, » Cormier said.

He shared the response he has heard from people both in France and in Canada since the attack.

• Truck plows into Bastille Day crowd in Nice, France, at least 84 dead

He said people in France feel confused, exhausted and angry. He said many are also dissatisfied with the security system, which they believe fails them with each new attack.

Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel, the driver of the truck, was a French resident born in Tunisia. ISIS claimed responsibility days after the attack. The link between Bouhlel and ISIS is still under examination.

Cormier worries that incident has stoked religious and ethnic hatred.

« Some of what’s coming forth is actually quite scary, » he said.

Cormier said he feels compelled to « educate people to the fact that this might not be the right answer. But at the same time you want these people to vent. So it’s a balancing act. »

He said his role is to « listen first, » then educate. With violent events shaking the world, Cormier wants people to remain rational in the midst of confusion.