Police were called to the scene, about 10 blocks from the legislature in the capital, Ottawa, after reports of multiple gun shots around 7:30 am (12:30 GMT).

"At this time, three people have been transported to hospital with serious injuries and one person has been confirmed deceased," Ottawa Police said in a statement.

A 15-year-old boy was among the wounded, local television reported.

The incident could have been a targeted killing, a police spokesperson told a press briefing, without elaborating.