The B.C. legislature was far quieter than normal as the session opened in the wake of the mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, as the usual pomp and celebration that accompanies the delivery of the throne speech was cancelled in favour of a more sombre presentation.
Instead of the normal speech outlining the government’s legislative priorities that was scheduled for Thursday afternoon (Feb. 12), Lt.-Gov. Wendy Cocchia dedicated abbreviated remarks to the people of Tumbler Ridge, who she said are “wrapped in the care and compassion of an entire province and a country that mourns alongside them.”
She also spoke about “unimaginable pain” being experienced by parents whose children died at the high school.
“As a mother, it’s absolutely impossible to comprehend the pain and sorrow that people are experiencing,” Cocchia said. “Nobody thinks for a moment, that you will send your child or loved one off in the moring, and that they will not return.”
According to the latest updates from the RCMP and government officials, nine people were killed, and 27 were injured, including two people airlifted out of the area. Premier David Eby said one of those, a 12-year-old girl named Maya, was still “fighting for her life” in the hospital as of Wednesday evening.
Police have identified the suspect as 18-year-old Tumbler Ridge resident Jesse Van Roostelaar, who was found dead from what was described as self-inflicted wounds.
The next scheduled sitting day for the legislature is Tuesday, when the government is expected to deliver details of the annual budget. This will still proceed, although the planned question period on Tuesday morning will not.
More to come.
In wake of the Tumbler Ridge shooting, many support services are available to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week: Vancouver Island Crisis Line Network: 1-888-494-3888; Suicide Crisis Helpline: 988; KUU-US (Indigenous) Crisis Line: 1-800-588-8717; Métis Crisis Line: 1-833-638-4722; Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868.