‘Unimaginable pain’ of Tumbler Ridge shootings focus of B.C. throne speech

Thursday marked the start of the spring session at the B.C. legislature, but the throne speech was cancelled in light of the Tumbler Ridge tragedy.

The spring session of the British Columbia legislature opened Thursday—not with a preview of the government’s budget or legislative agenda but with Lt.-Gov. Wendy Cocchia expressing condolences for those “suffering unimaginable pain.”

The B.C. NDP government abstained from delivering its usual throne speech in light of Tuesday’s shootings in Tumbler Ridge, which left nine people dead, including the suspected shooter, and more than two dozen others injured.

Cocchia’s comparatively brief speech instead focused solely on the grief that has gripped the province in the wake of the tragedy.

“Today, the people of Tumbler Ridge are wrapped in the care and compassion of an entire province and a country that mourns alongside them,” the lieutenant governor said.

She thanked the first responders, health-care workers and school staff who responded to the mass shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School.

• Live updates: RCMP confirm identities of all 8 Tumbler Ridge victims

Seven of the victims who were gunned down Tuesday afternoon were under 13 years old, and a 39-year-old teacher was also killed.

“Their service reflects the very best of our province,” Cocchia said of those who worked to save in the face of the violence.

“In times of sorrow, British Columbians come together,” she added. “May we carry that spirit forward, supporting this community and one another in the days and months ahead.”

The lieutenant governor, who represents the King in her constitutional role, added that the British monarchy and the Canadian governor general had passed along their own personal messages of support for the Tumbler Ridge community.

King Charles III posted a message on social media Wednesday expressing the Royal Family’s “deepest possible sympathy” for the families affected by the attack.

Cocchia also struck a personal tone and addressed the families directly. “As a mother, it’s impossible to comprehend the pain and grief you’re experiencing,” she said. “Nobody thinks when they see their child or loved one off for the day, they won’t be returning.”

The lieutenant governor’s address echoed remarks delivered by B.C. Premier David Eby from the Tumbler Ridge town hall on Wednesday night.

‘Legislature fully united’

The premier fought back tears as he described the profound sadness and resiliency demonstrated by the people of the small community.

“It’s horrifying and inspirational at the same time,” Eby said on the eve of an official day of mourning in the province.

Following the throne speech, MLAs from all parties stood behind the premier outside the legislature in a show of solidarity for the people of Tumbler Ridge.

“It’s not that often that the legislature is fully united, but clearly, with all Canadians, we’re standing with those families, those loved ones who are suffering right now,” Eby said.

The premier thanked staff who had prepared for a normal throne speech, but said it was not the right time for the usual pomp and circumstance of the event.

“All parties understood why we could not go ahead with the throne speech today, why we couldn’t go on with business as normal—because this is not a normal day for British Columbia or for Canada,” Eby said.

With files from CTV News Vancouver’s Andrew Weichel