Canadian MPs have sent a strong message in the wake of yesterday's shootings - returning to business as usual.

Parliament is back in session, in a move designed to show whoever was behind the attacks that they failed.

Islamic convert Michael Zehaf-Bibeau shot Corporal Nathan Cirillo at point-blank range, before opening fire inside Parliament.

MP Gerry Byrne told Newstalk ZB's Rachel Smalley this depraved, sick individual doesn't deserve the attention he sought.

"His objective was to instil terror, to communicate to Canada, Canadians and to the world that he would control the agenda.He has failed."

CNN's Jim Sciutto says authorities are frantically searching internet and telephone communications, as well as his previous travel paths, to see who he was in contact with.

Michael Zehaf-Bibeau had connections to other known Canadian Islamic extremists.

"They include a man named Hazibuli Yousafzai. He's a Vancouver resident who was charged in July with travelling to Syria to fight with a terrorist group. Yousafzai is still at large."