"Canada condemns in the strongest terms this attack on Lebanon's independence, stability and democracy," MacKay said in a statement.
"I am shocked and deeply troubled by the assassination of Mr Gemayel. This is a very sad day for Lebanon and the Lebanese people. The perpetrators of this cowardly act must be brought to justice," he said.
"Canada stands firmly by Prime Minister Fuad Siniora and his government in these challenging times. I urge the people of Lebanon to stand united against those who seek to destabilise their country."

Copyright AFP (Agence France-Presse), 2006