Ottawa, Ontario: The standing ovation began even before Sergeant-at-Arms Kevin Vickers entered the Parliament chamber in his black robe, carrying the golden ceremonial mace on his right shoulder.

For more than two minutes, the lawmakers applauded and pounded their desks on Thursday for the white-haired former Mountie, hailed as a hero for shooting the gunman who had stormed Canada's seat of power just a day earlier.

Ceremonial role: Sergeant-at-Arms Kevin Vickers carries the mace through the Hall of Honour during the Speakers parade in the House of Commons in Ottawa. Credit:AP

At first expressionless and motionless, the 58-year-old Vickers eventually responded to the ovation with a few slight nods of his head, his lips quivering with emotion.

Later in the session, Prime Minster Stephen Harper lauded Mr Vickers.