Thursday to be day of mourning in British Columbia after mass shooting

The provincial government is putting a pause on politics in the wake of one of the deadliest mass shootings in Canadian history.

The B.C. government is cancelling the Throne Speech that was planned for Thursday at the legislature and will instead declare a province-wide day of mourning after Tuesday’s tragic mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge.

Government House Leader Mike Farnworth, Official Opposition House Leader Á’a:líya Warbus and B.C. Green Party House Leader Rob Botterell issued a joint statement announcing the change Wednesday.

“The horrific shooting and tragic loss of life in Tumbler Ridge have devastated this small community and impacted people across B.C., Canada and around the world,” the statement reads.

“In recognition of these events, the planned Throne Speech for tomorrow will not be delivered.”

Instead, the legislature will stand for a moment of silence in honour of the victims at noon Thursday, and then the house will adjourn, according to the statement.

“At 2 p.m., the lieutenant governor will deliver a speech in the house dedicated to the people of Tumbler Ridge, followed by brief legally required procedures,” it adds.

“The people of British Columbia mourn together with the people of Tumbler Ridge. We are united and will continue to ensure every possible support for community members in the coming days.”

Six people—a 39-year-old teacher and five students—were killed Tuesday afternoon in a mass shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School.

The shooter, who has been identified as 18-year-old Jesse VanRootselaar, had killed two relatives at a home in the small northeastern B.C. community before making her way to the high school.

VanRootselaar was found dead inside the school with what police believe was a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

• Read more: Tumbler Ridge shooting live updates
• What we know about the victims of the mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, B.C.
• ‘Active gunfire’ continued as RCMP arrived at B.C. school during mass shooting, authorities say
• Tumbler Ridge journalist says ‘people are looking for people to blame’ after mass shooting