Prime Minister Mark Carney has postponed his scheduled trip to Europe in the wake of a tragic incident in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia. The decision also means a planned announcement on Canada’s defence industrial strategy in Halifax on Wednesday will not proceed as scheduled.

In a statement released Tuesday, Carney said the federal government stands with the people of British Columbia during what he described as a difficult time. He confirmed he has spoken with B.C. Premier David Eby and federal Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree to receive updates on the situation.

The prime minister had been expected to travel to Germany later this week to attend the Munich Security Conference, an annual gathering of global political and business leaders focused on international security policy. Carney was scheduled to deliver remarks at Friday’s opening session.

His itinerary also included bilateral meetings with leaders from Greenland, Denmark, Ukraine, Germany, Spain, Finland, Norway and the European Union, as well as discussions with a U.S. senator. The conference is taking place amid heightened global uncertainty tied to evolving U.S. foreign policy positions and ongoing geopolitical tensions.

The postponement underscores the federal government’s focus on responding to domestic emergencies, particularly in Western Canada, where provincial and federal authorities are coordinating their response.