While Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was in Quebec City on Saturday to attend the funerals for six people killed by a terrorist attack in Burkina Faso, his political opposition said they would not make political comments while the families mourned.

A funeral service took place at 11 a.m. for Suzanne Bernier, and in the afternoon a mass service was held for Yves Carrier, Gladys Chamberland, Charlélie Carrier, Maude Carrier, and Louis Chabot.

"It's horrible what happened," said Carrier's sister, Louise. "Everyone sympathizes with us, but there are no words."

The church where the afternoon service was held overflowed with visitors, despite a capacity for 1,000 people. Those turned away waited patiently outside during the service.

Trudeau, who did not speak to media, was criticized for how he first handled Canada's reaction to the deaths.

Representatives for different parties from all levels of government were present, but stressed that they did not wish to talk politics on such a mournful day.

"It's important to show the family that we support them in this difficult time," said Conservative MP Gerard Deltell. "We don't have any political comment. We give our prayers and our warm thoughts to them. They deserve that."

Quebec minister for La Francophonie Christine St-Pierre said it is important for Quebecers to show they will not be bowed by terrorists.

“It’s important to show our support to the families and tell the families that we are together. Also, to send a message that we don’t have to give up in front of this terrorism.”

The families complained that foreign affairs offices were not open on the weekend, and so it was only two days after the attack that they were able to get in touch with officials.

The mother of one victim said she was ashamed of the Canadian government for not taking a stronger stance against Islamic State.

Maude's husband told reporters that he hung up the phone when the prime minister called, saying he was in no mood to hear "political babbling."

But Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard, who met with the families on Friday, came to Trudeau's defence, saying paying respects is always a delicate balance for politicians.

"As members of the government, you have to be present at circumstances like this, but at the same moment you don't want to engulf the families in a political event. This is not what it's all about," he said.

Couillard said that having met with Trudeau since the attacks, he has "absolutely no doubts" about the sincerity of Trudeau's remarks.