Mr. Speaker. 

This morning, families in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, woke to a different world. Parents, grandparents, brothers and sisters began their first day on earth without someone they loved dearly.

What happened has left our nation in shock and all of us in mourning. Nine people killed. More than 25 others were injured. Some still in hospital fighting for their lives. The investigation is ongoing, and we must allow law enforcement the time and space to do their work thoroughly.

Mr. Speaker, 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 province – 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 – 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 no one was left behind.

When the coal mines shut down, residents supported local businesses, shared job leads, and lifted each other up.

Tumbler Ridge represents the very best of Canada – 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 –  the RCMP officers who entered that school not knowing what awaited them. To the paramedics and medical staff at the Tumbler Ridge Health Centre. 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 Canada.

I have spoken with the Premier of British Columbia, David Eby, to express my condolences and those of the Government of Canada. The Minister of Public Safety, Gary Anandasangaree, has been coordinating the federal response and is en route to Tumbler Ridge with the Premier, and the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada, Gregor Robertson.

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.

Mr. Speaker, we have been here before – École Polytechnique in Montréal; the Islamic Cultural Centre of Québec City; La Loche, Saskatchewan; Humboldt; Portapique, Nova Scotia.

Each time, it breaks us open.

Each time, Canadians show who we are. 

Mr. Speaker, in the days ahead, there will be important questions to ask and difficult conversations to have. We owe that to the victims and to their families.

But today, however, is for grieving and remembrance. Today is for the people of Tumbler Ridge and the Peace River region – for a community enduring the unimaginable.

A few moments ago, Mr. Speaker, we held a moment of silence for families 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: we mourn with you. 

To those recovering from their injuries: we are praying for you. 

To the students, the teachers, the parents, and every resident of Tumbler Ridge: all of Canada stands with you.

May the memories of those we have 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 the type of community that Tumbler Ridge has always been, striving to make Canada a better, kinder, safer place for all Canadians.

Thank you.