Carney to visit Tumbler Ridge as community mourns mass shooting

Prime Minister Mark Carney says he will travel to Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, in the coming days to meet with residents and local officials grieving after a deadly mass shooting that killed nine people, including several children and the attacker. His office said the details of the trip, including timing, are being coordinated with community leaders to ensure support aligns with local needs.

The announcement follows one of the deadliest mass shootings in recent Canadian history. On Tuesday, an 18-year-old gunman opened fire in the town of about 2,400 people, killing relatives at a nearby home before entering Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, where several students and a teacher were fatally shot. The shooter then died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, and at least 25 others were injured.

Carney addressed lawmakers in the House of Commons on Wednesday, calling the events “a very difficult day” for the nation and ordering Canadian flags to be flown at half-mast for seven days to honour the victims. He said federal officials are working with provincial and local partners to provide long-term support to the affected families and the broader community.

British Columbia Premier David Eby and Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree were also expected to visit Tumbler Ridge this week, reflecting a coordinated response from different levels of government. The prime minister’s visit will give him a chance to hear directly from residents and local leaders about their priorities, and to reinforce federal support as the community begins the difficult work of recovery.