Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney spoke at the House of Commons Wednesday afternoon following the mass school shooting in Tumbler Ridge, B.C., that left eight dead, as well as the shooter, and 27 injured, saying the tragedy “has left our nation in shock and all of us in mourning.”
Members of the House of Commons observed a moment of silence for the victims and agreed to adjourn until Thursday at 10 a.m., skipping question period. Several rows of ambassadors from other countries sat in the galleries of the House of Commons in a rare show of support as party leaders rose to speak.
“Tumbler Ridge represents the very best of Canada. Resilient, compassionate and strong,” Carney said. “‘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 and may this house prove worthy of what Tumbler Ridge has always been by striving to make Canada a better, kinder, and safer place.”
Carney also spoke about the need to support victims families as the investigation unfolds.
Get daily National news
Get the day’s top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day.
“Mr. Speaker, in the days ahead, there’ll be important questions to ask, difficult conversations to have. We owe that to the victims and their families. But now, it’s 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.”
Carney also offered words to those directly affected by the shooting.
“To those families who have lost loved ones, this House mourns with you. To those who are recovering from injuries, this House prays for you. To the students, the teachers, the parents, every resident of Tumbler Ridge, all of Canada stands with you.”
Carney also acknowledged all those involved in the shooting’s response and aftermath.
“I want to express my profound gratitude to the first responders, the RCMP officers, who entered immediately that school not knowing what awaited them. To the paramedics and medical staff at the Tumblr Ridge Health Centre. To the teachers and the 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,” he said.
A book of condolences is available for MPs to sign until Feb. 17, at which time Conservative MP Bob Zimmer, who represents the community, will bring it there.
More to come.
© 2026 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
