A visibly upset Prime Minister Mark Carney on Wednesday promised Canadians would get through what he called a 'terrible' mass shooting at a school in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia.
Prime Minister Mark Carney says it’s a difficult day for Canada and the nation is mourning after a mass shooting that has left nine people dead in Tumbler Ridge, B.C.
In an update on Wednesday, RCMP revised the number of people who died to nine from 10, including the shooter. The RCMP identified the shooter as 18-year-old female Jesse Van Rootselaar, a resident of the community. They said there was a police history of dealing with mental health calls at the home.
The deceased include one teacher at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School and five students between the ages of 13 and 17. As well, the alleged shooter’s mother and stepbrother were found dead in the family home.
Speaking to reporters ahead of a caucus meeting, Mr. Carney said he had spoken to B.C. Premier David Eby and that all assistance will be offered.
“This morning, parents, grandparents, sisters, brothers in Tumbler Ridge will wake up without someone they love,” said Mr. Carney, who was visibly emotional.
“The nation mourns with you. Canada stands by you.”
In the wake of the incident, the Prime Minister’s Office confirmed that Mr. Carney’s trip to Germany for the Munich Security Conference has been cancelled. It said that Defence Minister David McGuinty, Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand and Artificial Intelligence Minister Evan Solomon will attend on his behalf. The office also postponed a previously scheduled announcement that was expected to be about Canada’s new defence industrial strategy.
The PMO said Mr. Carney remains in the national capital region at this time, while Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree is joining Mr. Eby in Tumbler Ridge, B.C., later today. Housing Minister Gregor Robertson, who is from B.C., will also be there, as will Nina Krieger, province’s Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor-General.
Mr. Carney said he has asked for the flags on Parliament Hill to be lowered to half-mast for the next week. He will also be delivering a statement in the House of Commons Wednesday afternoon.
The flag flies at half-mast over the Peace Tower on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Wednesday.Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press
He thanked first responders, teachers, staff and residents for their response to the shooting, as well as the world leaders who have reached out to express condolences.
“We will get through this, we’ll learn from this, but right now, it’s a time to come together – as Canadians always do – in these situations, these terrible situations, to support each other, to mourn together and to grow together,” Mr. Carney said.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre said the incident was devastating and called on Canadians to unite in support of the families and larger community.
‘It’s just horrible’: Tumbler Ridge reeling after deadly school shooting
“The fact that this took place at a secondary school – it makes it even more tragic,” he said. “As a father, I can’t even imagine the phone calls that parents might have received.”
“I can’t imagine the heartache and hell that they’re living through.”
He said he will be in touch with Mr. Carney and other parties to offer support.
“I encourage all Canadians to pray for the community and pray for the family as we go forward and take the necessary steps to support them,” he said.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre called on Canadians to unite in support of the families and community of Tumbler Ridge. Interim NDP leader Don Davies, Green Party Leader Elizabeth May and B.C. Liberal MP Zoe Royer offered condolences at a news conference in Ottawa.
The Canadian Press
Governor-General Mary Simon said in a statement that she and her husband Whit Fraser send their deepest condolences to the community. They also thanked the first responders.
“In this unimaginable moment of tragedy, the whole of Canada has Tumbler Ridge in its thoughts,” she said. “Let us stay united in our compassion and reach out to one another with love and tenderness today, as we join the entire nation in grieving.”
Her office also confirmed that her schedule has been suspended in light of the events.
Government House Leader Steven MacKinnon’s office confirmed that the House of Commons will hold a moment of silence at 2 p.m. ET, before speeches from Mr. Carney and the opposition leaders. From there, the House of Commons will rise.
NDP interim leader Don Davies expressed his condolences to residents of Tumbler Ridge while appearing with other MPs to hold a news conference ahead of national Kindness Week, which occurs from Feb. 15 to 21.
Tumbler Ridge shooting hits close to home for some Team Canada athletes, coaches
He said there was a “cruel irony” to being at such an event, but also a profound symmetry given the gathering of MPs across party lines to focus on the opposite of what has happened in British Columbia.
Responding to questions from journalists, Mr. Davies said there will be time in coming days to learn more about what has happened.
“Right now, we have to come together as a country and express our deep condolences and grief to all those who are suffering and offer whatever help might be needed in this community at this time,” he said.
At the same event, Green Party Leader Elizabeth May said she expected first responders are going to need a lot of emotional support after what they witnessed inside the school doors in Tumbler Ridge.
“It’s unspeakable. It’s a terrible tragedy and we mourn with those who have lost so much,” she said.
Stephen Fuhr, a Liberal MP from British Columbia, told journalists that troubled people do unthinkable things from time to time.
“It’s a massive tragedy. It’s in a very small community. It will be very difficult to deal with this. Who do you lean on when your entire community is affected by tragedies of this magnitude that you don’t see in our country very often?”
Editor’s note: A previous version of this story incorrectly said Prime Minister Mark Carney would deliver a statement in the House of Commons Tuesday afternoon. The statement was scheduled for Wednesday afternoon.