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

A French consular official based in Toronto is calling onCanadiansand the people of France to staycalm and not fall prey to religious and ethnic bigotryafterlast week's attack in Nice that killed 84 people.

MarcCormier, who is a consular councillorrepresenting France in Ontario and Manitoba,spoke toCBC'sMetro Morningon Monday, the same day his country observed a minute of silence for the victims who died when acargo truck plowed into a Bastille Day crowd.It was the third attack in France in 18 months.

"It'sdeja-vuit's almost become a routine,"Cormiersaid.

Hesharedthe response he has heardfrom people both in France and inCanada since the attack.

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

He saidpeople in Francefeel confused, exhaustedand angry. He said many are alsodissatisfied with the security system, which they believe failsthem with each new attack.

MohamedLahouaiejBouhlel,the driver of the truck, was a French resident born inTunisia.ISIS claimed responsibility daysafter the attack.ThelinkbetweenBouhleland ISIS is still under examination.

Cormier worries that incident has stoked religious and ethnic hatred.

"Some of what's coming forthis actually quite scary," he said.

Cormier said he feelscompelledto"educate people to the fact that this might not be the right answer. But at the sametime 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.

In Canada, the response to the attackis different, he says. Cormiersenses"an outpouring of understanding and emotion, of solidarity."

At the same time, some French people based in Canadaare afraid to return to France.

"My message is very clear to my compatriots: If we start changing our behaviours, we're actually giving reason to terrorists to act. So let's not change our behaviour. Let's keep going back to our country."