Canadian Leaders Unite at Tumbler Ridge Vigil After Devastating School Shooting

On February 13, 2026, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and opposition leader Pierre Poilievre stood hand in hand with community members at a candlelight vigil in the northern British Columbia town of Tumbler Ridge, mourning the victims of one of the country’s deadliest school shootings. The gesture marked a rare moment of cross‑party solidarity in the face of national grief following the mass shooting earlier in the week. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

The tragedy unfolded on February 10, when 18‑year‑old Jesse Van Rootselaar allegedly killed her 39‑year‑old mother and 11‑year‑old stepbrother at a residence before opening fire at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. Six people at the school — five students aged 12 to 13 and an assistant teacher — were killed, and several others were injured before the shooter died of a self‑inflicted wound. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Hundreds of mourners gathered outside the town hall in the remote community as First Nations leaders offered prayers and candles flickered in the night. Carney read the names of the victims and acknowledged the profound pain faced by families, saying that Canadians stand with the grieving community not just in public moments like the vigil, but in the quiet that follows such loss. He also mentioned the deaths of the shooter’s family members, saying all lives lost “deserve to be mourned.” :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Poilievre praised Carney’s leadership and the unity shown by political figures who set aside partisanship to grieve with residents. British Columbia Premier David Eby reassured families that students will not be forced to return to the school and that safe and supportive alternatives will be provided. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

The vigil underscored a moment of collective sorrow and resolve in Canada — where mass shootings are rare but deeply traumatic — and sparked renewed discussion about mental health support and gun safety policies. Officials said recovery support services will continue to be offered to survivors, families, and the broader community. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}