Federal party leaders travelled to Tumbler Ridge, B.C., on Friday to lay flowers at a memorial for the victims of the Feb. 10 mass shooting, appearing together in a rare show of unity.
Prime Minister Mark Carney and Diana Fox Carney attended alongside Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet, NDP Leader Don Davies and Green Party Leader Elizabeth May. Tumbler Ridge Mayor Darryl Krakowka and Conservative MP Bob Zimmer were also at the memorial.
Carney spoke about the town’s resilience and the way residents support one another during difficult times, pointing to neighbours helping neighbours, keeping community spaces running and checking in on seniors during wildfire threats.
Carney also referred to the response at a school after the shooting, noting that first responders arrived in less than two minutes and teachers were shielding children. He told residents facing “quiet houses” and “empty rooms” that they were not alone, and said Canadians would remain with them after the cameras leave and the community is left with silence.
Poilievre, speaking after the prime minister, thanked Carney for bringing together leaders from across party lines and travelling to Tumbler Ridge together. He described the day as one set apart from partisan labels, saying there were no Conservatives, Liberals, New Democrats, Greens or Bloc, and framing the visit in personal terms as parents grieving alongside the community.
The joint appearance underscored how the shooting has shaken the community and drawn national attention, with leaders focusing their remarks on grief, solidarity and the support residents will need in the days ahead.