Almost 50 years ago, Anne McGrath was a student at St. Pius X High School in Ottawa when a tragic shooting occurred, marking one of Canada's earliest instances of school violence. As a 17-year-old during the incident, McGrath was deeply affected by the trauma, having been in a classroom next door during the shooting. The experience left a lasting impression on her, shaping her later career as a political strategist and raising her awareness of the impact of gun violence in schools.

In light of the recent mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, McGrath has found herself revisiting painful memories of her own past trauma. The influx of headlines regarding school shootings has re-triggered her emotions, reminding her of the fear and uncertainty from her own experience. She expressed this sentiment in an interview, revealing how difficult such anniversaries are as they reopen wounds of both personal and collective grief, especially for communities dealing with the aftermath of gun violence.

McGrath's reflections serve as a poignant reminder of the ongoing issues surrounding gun control and the psychological scars left on survivors of such tragedies. Her voice adds to the growing chorus demanding change while highlighting the profound emotional toll that repeated incidents of mass shootings have on individuals and communities across Canada.