Mr. Speaker, this morning, families in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, woke to a different world. Parents, grandparents, brothers and sisters began this day as their first day on earth without someone they love dearly. What happened has left our nation in shock and all of us in mourning. Nine people were killed, and more than 25 others were injured. Some are still in hospital fighting for their lives. The investigation is ongoing, and we must allow law enforcement the time and space to do its work accordingly.
As the House knows, Tumbler Ridge is a community of some 2,400 people nestled in the foothills of the Rockies. It is one of the youngest towns in the great province of British Columbia. It was carved out of the wilderness in the 1980s, built on the promise of the resource economy and by the determination of its residents. It is a town of miners, teachers, construction workers and families who have built their lives there, people who have always shown up for each other there.
When wildfires raged, neighbours helped each other pack up and move out of harm's way. They checked in on seniors and those living alone. They made sure that no one was left behind. When the coal mine shut down, residents supported local businesses. They shared leads for jobs and lifted each other up. Tumbler Ridge represents the very best of Canada, as it is resilient, compassionate and strong.
Yesterday morning, parents from Tumbler Ridge sent their children to school. Many will never hold them again. Young people and their teachers have witnessed an unimaginable cruelty.
I want each of them to know: your country is with you. On behalf of all Canadians, I offer my prayers to the victims, to their families, their friends, to all those who were injured, and to everyone whose life was changed irreversibly yesterday.
I want to express my profound gratitude to the first responders, to the RCMP officers who immediately entered that school not knowing what awaited them, to the paramedics and medical staff at the Tumbler Ridge Health Centre and to the teachers and school staff who acted with extraordinary courage to protect the children in their care. In the darkest of moments, they showed the best of our country.
I have spoken with Premier Eby to express my condolences and those of the Government of Canada. The Minister of Public Safety has been coordinating the federal response and is en route to Tumbler Ridge with the premier and the housing minister. The MP for Prince George—Peace River—Northern Rockies is already there.
Our officials are in close contact with their provincial and local counterparts to ensure the community receives every support we can provide now and in the weeks and months ahead.
We have been here before: École Polytechnique in Montreal; the Islamic Cultural Centre of Quebec City; La Loche, Saskatchewan; Humboldt, Saskatchewan; and Portapique, Nova Scotia.
Each time, it breaks us open. Each time, Canadians show who we are.
In the days ahead, there will be important questions to ask and difficult conversations to have. We owe that to the victims and their families. Now, however, it is time for grieving and remembrance. Now is for the people of Tumbler Ridge and the Peace River region, for a community that is enduring the unimaginable.
A few moments ago, we held a moment of silence for the families and the community who are grieving. For many of them today, the silence is loud.
We may never fully reconcile with the horrific, senseless violence that ripped through Tumbler Ridge yesterday, but we can find comfort in each other. We can look after each other.
To those families who have lost loved ones, the House mourns with you.
To those who are recovering from injuries, the House prays for you.
To the students, the teachers and the parents, to every resident of Tumbler Ridge, all of Canada stands with you.
May the memories of those lost be a blessing. May this community, which has shown its resilience so many times before, once again find the strength to heal. May this House prove worthy of what Tumbler Ridge has always been by striving to make Canada a better, kinder and safer place.