Brian Pallister a no-show at Winnipeg vigil for Orlando shooting victims

Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister spoke from the steps of the Manitoba Legislature during the Winnipeg Pride Parade, but he was unavailable to attend a vigil for the people gunned down over the weekend in a Florida gay nightclub, his office said.

Minister Rochelle Squires appears at Pride Winnipeg vigil in place of premier

CBC News Posted: Jun 13, 2016 7:30 PM EDT | Last Updated: June 14, 2016

Brian Pallister's office says he is 'unavailable' to attend a Monday night vigil in Winnipeg for those gunned down at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Fla., Sunday morning. (Left: John Woods/Canadian Press; Right: CBC)

Manitoba Premier Brian Pallisterwasn't at a vigil at the Manitoba Legislature on Mondayfor the people gunned down over the weekend in a Florida gay nightclub.

Brian Pallister's office said the premier was "unavailable" to attend a vigil Monday night at the legislature for the 49 victims of a mass shooting in Orlando Sunday morning. Rochelle Squires, minister of sport and culture, attended in his place.Pallister didspeakfrom the steps of the Manitoba Legislatureduringthe Winnipeg Pride Parade.

Pride Winnipeg plans vigil for Orlando shooting victims

OmarMateen killed49 people andinjured more than 50 in the shooting at Pulse nightclub. He was killed by police as they raided the building.

On Monday morning, U.S. PresidentBarackObamasaid the massacre appears to be an example of"homegrown extremism."

We are concerned ...to hear [the premier's]office may not be informingManitobansabout his whereabouts.- Flor Marcelino

In a statement on Monday, interim NDP LeaderFlorMarcelinosaid her heart goes out to the families and friends who lost loved ones in Orlando.

"This was an act of homophobic violence against theLGBTTQ* community not only in Orlando, but for communities and individuals around the world," she said.

"Here in Manitoba,we worry about ourLGBTTQ* youth, who are now witnessing an event of this magnitude for the first time. There must be many who are feeling vulnerable and terrified."

Concern over premier's absence

Marcelinoadded that she wasdisappointed when she heardPallisterwouldn't be at the vigil. The premier's office has not explained why he wasunable to attend.

The flags at Winnipeg City Hall are at half-mast to honour the victims of the Orlando shooting. (Travis Golby/CBC)

"We understand that the premier has a very busy job that calls him away from the legislature on occasion. We are concerned, however, to hear that his office may not be informingManitobansabout his whereabouts,"Marcelinosaid in a statement.

"If this is the case, we urge Mr.Pallisterto be accountable toManitobans, especially when he is away from events that are important to the community."

A vigil was held Sunday at the Rainbow Resource Centre on Scott Street Sunday night.

The second Winnipeg vigil tookplace at 8:30 p.m. Monday outside the Manitoba Legislature.