On February 10th, Canadians learned of a tragic shooting that happened at a high school in the small rural community of Tumbler Ridge, BC.
An event like this is absolutely heartbreaking. Seven people, including the shooter, were found dead at the school; I believe two more are hospitalized in critical condition; and approximately twenty-five more people were treated for non-life-threatening injuries. There are two more people who were found dead inside a home and police have confirmed that they were the mother and stepbrother of the shooter. With a population of only around 2,400 people, I would believe that every single person in this community will have been directly impacted or will be closely connected to a family that has been directly impacted by this tragedy.
There is no doubt that this event is horrifying, shocking and atrocious. Prime Minister Mark Carney’s emotions were visible when he spoke about the loss that the families, friends, community and our country are feeling. I am comforted, however, by the outpouring of compassion and support that is coming from all over the world. One from President Zelenskkyy touched me to the core. With all of the horrors he and the people of Ukraine are dealing with - that he took the time to send condolences speaks so highly of who he is as a person.
An event like this is absolutely heartbreaking. Seven people, including the shooter, were found dead at the school; I believe two more are hospitalized in critical condition; and approximately twenty-five more people were treated for non-life-threatening injuries. There are two more people who were found dead inside a home and police have confirmed that they were the mother and stepbrother of the shooter. With a population of only around 2,400 people, I would believe that every single person in this community will have been directly impacted or will be closely connected to a family that has been directly impacted by this tragedy.
There is no doubt that this event is horrifying, shocking and atrocious. Prime Minister Mark Carney’s emotions were visible when he spoke about the loss that the families, friends, community and our country are feeling. I am comforted, however, by the outpouring of compassion and support that is coming from all over the world. One from President Zelenskkyy touched me to the core. With all of the horrors he and the people of Ukraine are dealing with - that he took the time to send condolences speaks so highly of who he is as a person.
Recently, a Canadian asked their Commonwealth friends in Australia and New Zealand to keep watch while Canadians slept. When Canadians wake up, they take over the watch while Australians and New Zealanders sleep. It has been a light-hearted exchange with folks saying that they’ve left out munchies and beverages for the “watchers”. This morning, the exchanges are decidedly different in tone – full of empathy, love and concern.
I’ve also noted a similar outpouring of support from some of our American neighbours, most notably folks in Minnesota who mention the support they have received from Canadians during the “occupation” of their state by ICE agents and their wish to stand with us as we have stood with them.
I have also seen numerous messages from the UK, including one specifically from King Charles, from Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Spain to name just a few.
I have also seen numerous messages from the UK, including one specifically from King Charles, from Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Spain to name just a few.
In a world that has been feeling increasingly dark, I am so incredibly grateful for everyone who is sharing their compassion, being beacons of light and love. Together, we can and will overcome the darkness.
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