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Alberta Legislature ramps up security a month after Ottawa terrorist attacks

It’s been a full month since armed Jihadist Michael Zihaf-Bibeau took the life of a Canadian soldier and made his way through the centre block of the Parliament buildings armed with a rifle.

It’s also the end of the first week of new, tougher security measures at the Alberta Legislature in Edmonton, something instituted by speaker of the house Gene Zwozdesky to address the changing times.

Since Monday, the west level doors have been the only way for members of the public, visitors and guests to enter the building.

NDP leader Rachel Notley said it’s a little over the top.

“I think we certainly need to be careful but the way it’s been implemented here, is not the best way to meet objectives” she said.

Notley thought the response is a bit of an overreaction, she said the Legislature is a public space and piece of art.

“We are severely restricting the ability of Albertans to enjoy that.”

Long time MLA Heather Forsythe said it’s better to be safe than sorry.

“We went through this many years ago after 9/11 when I was the solicitor general. You always have to be vigilant and on guard” she said. “The public that visits the Legislature needs to be protected, unfortunate, but that’s life now.”

The main doors of the building will still be used but only in a ceremonial role and there will also be extra screenings and metal detectors.

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