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Canadian political leaders have spoken out following the killing of a Montreal woman who was attacked while participating in a work Zoom call. Prime Minister Mark Carney addressed the House of Commons on Thursday, condemning the act and vowing that the person responsible would pay “the full price.”
Montreal police identified the victim as Leila Ben Salem, a 45-year-old employee of the Canada Revenue Agency. Officers discovered her body on Tuesday afternoon in an apartment building on René-Lévesque Boulevard East near St-Christophe Street. Police had initially responded to wellness check calls before finding her dead.
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Prime Minister Pays Tribute in Parliament
Carney offered his condolences to Ben Salem’s family during his remarks in the House of Commons. “Ms. Ben Salem was an esteemed member of the Canada Revenue Agency,” he said. “She was very dedicated to serving Canadians. She was, in fact, serving Canadians at the very moment of her passing.”
Police sources confirmed to Global News that Ben Salem was on a work-related Zoom call when an attacker struck her inside her Ville-Marie apartment. Authorities initially treated the death as suspicious. However, they have since transferred the case to Montreal’s homicide unit. Her death marks the city’s 19th homicide of the year.
So far, police have made no arrests. Investigators have also not released details about a possible motive.
Opposition Leaders and Politicians React
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre also addressed the killing in the House of Commons on Thursday. He described it as a “terrible tragedy” and extended his condolences to Ben Salem’s family.
Meanwhile, the case surfaced on the provincial election campaign trail. Québec solidaire candidate Ruba Ghazal called on all levels of government to do more to prevent violence against women. “I want this to be the last one,” Ghazal said. “I don’t want another woman to be killed because she’s a woman.”
Investigation Continues
The Leila Ben Salem killing has prompted widespread concern across Canada. The fact that she died while actively working on a Zoom call has added a deeply troubling dimension to the case.
Authorities continue to investigate. Police have not yet announced any suspects or confirmed a motive. Further updates are expected as the homicide investigation progresses.
