OTTAWA - The Norwegian embassy in Ottawa has opened book of condolences for Canadians to sign in the wake of last week's attacks.
Police in Norway say dozens of people were killed in a bomb blast outside a government building and subsequent shooting rampage at a youth camp.
A man arrested in connection with the attacks made his first court appearance today.
The Ottawa embassy opened its doors to the public for two hours on Monday afternoon and will reopen them again between noon and two p.m. Tuesday.
Inside the embassy, foreign dignitaries and Canadian officials paid their respects to the fallen by signing a book of condolences in a boardroom lit only by a single white candle.
"We are sad and in shock over the terrible crime that has claimed so many Norwegian lives," read one inscription.
"We mourn with the Norwegian people and our sympathy is with the families of the victims and our solidarity with all those who suffered from this senseless deed."
Among those who signed the book was Margaret Huber, Canada's Chief of Protocol, the most senior officer for high-level diplomatic visits. Officials from many other embassies also signed.
The deputy head of Norway's mission said he and his colleagues were touched by the flowers and messages that people left on the sidewalk outside the embassy, which is housed in a downtown office building.
"We love you Norway and stand with you in your time of grief," read one card, its blue ink smeared by the morning rain.
"All the messages that we've received over the weekend are heartwarming," Jo Sletbak said. "You've seen probably outside the embassy, people have put down flowers and messages.
"And when it hits Norwegians, it also hits Canadians. We share the same values in what we promote of democracy, freedom of speech. And I think that's important that we stand together."
There will also be a book of condolences at Norway's Toronto consulate available all week from 10 a.m. to noon.
In Vancouver, Canadians can pay their respects at the Scandinavian cultural centre.
Sletbak thanked Canadians for their support.
"Probably the best quote I've seen is from one of the survivors from the island. It was said something to the effect that, 'If one man's hatred can do this, what can all of our love together be able to do?"'
