Canadian Leaders to Attend Vigil in Tumbler Ridge After Deadly Mass Shooting

Ottawa: Prime Minister Mark Carney and other federal party leaders will travel to Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, to attend a vigil commemorating the victims of Tuesday’s mass shooting.

The small mining community remains in shock after the attack left nine people dead and more than 25 injured, marking one of the worst mass killings in Canadian history.

According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, Carney was invited to Friday’s vigil by Tumbler Ridge Mayor Darryl Krakowka.

Opposition leaders are also expected to attend, including Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet, NDP interim Leader Don Davies and Green Party Leader Elizabeth May.

Earlier in the day, federal party leaders delivered somber remarks in the House of Commons during the time typically reserved for question period. Instead of the usual partisan exchanges, the nearly full chamber remained largely silent as leaders paid tribute to the victims and first responders.

Carney described the violence as having “left our nation in shock,” expressing sympathy for the families affected by what he called a series of horrific events in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.

“To those families who have lost loved ones: we mourn with you. To those recovering from their injuries: we are praying for you,” Carney said.

Reflecting personally, he added: “As a father, I can’t even imagine the phone calls the parents might have received. I can’t imagine the heartache and the hell they’re living through at this moment. I encourage all Canadians to pray for the community and pray for the family.”

Blanchet, Davies and May also addressed the chamber. May appeared particularly emotional, her voice breaking several times as she spoke.

“It is hard for any one of us as parents to imagine what the community of Tumbler Ridge is going through,” she said. “There are no words.”

The vigil is expected to draw residents, officials and community leaders as the town continues to mourn and seek comfort in the aftermath of the tragedy.