Premier David Eby will not deliver the throne speech as planned on Thursday, Feb. 12, due to the tragedy at Tumbler Ridge.
The B.C. legislature will instead hold a moment of silence followed by remarks by Lt.-Gov. Wendy Cocchia. The “legally required procedures” will then be delivered to open the legislative session.
The RCMP gave the latest update on the Tumbler Ridge school shooting on Wednesday morning, telling reporters nine people are confirmed to have died, including the shooter, and 27 are being treated for injuries.
The three house leaders, the NDP’s Mike Farnworth, B.C. Conservative Á’a:líya Warbus and the B.C. Green Party’s Rob Botterell, issued a statement shortly after the update from police detailing the throne speech changes.
“The horrific shooting and tragic loss of life in Tumbler Ridge have devastated this small community and impacted people across B.C., Canada and around the world,” the statement says. “In recognition of these events, the planned throne speech for tomorrow will not be delivered.”
The throne speech is normally accompanied by a ceremony that includes a paddle welcome by the Lekwungen traditional dancers, a Royal Canadian Navy salute and other celebrations. This will be cancelled in favour of a more sombre presentation.
Cocchia is expected to deliver a speech dedicated to the people of Tumbler Ridge that will begin at 2 p.m.
At this stage, no other changes are planned for next week’s legislative schedule, which begins on Tuesday with the presentation of the annual budget.
Trevor Halford, interim leader for the B.C. Conservatives, said that he supports the changes, and the priority right now should be the people of Tumbler Ridge.
“Yesterday, parents packed their kids’ lunch; today, they’re making funeral arrangements,” he said. “There’s no place for politics there.”