EDITOR’S NOTE: This story has been updated from its original version after the RCMP said Wednesday eight people were killed during the shooting in Tumbler Ridge, not nine as it initially reported.
Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced that Canadian flags will be flown at half-mast for seven days on federal buildings following the mass school shooting in Tumbler Ridge, B.C., that left eight people dead, as well as the shooter, and 27 injured.
“It’s obviously a very difficult day for the nation,” Carney said in a media scrum outside the Liberal caucus on Wednesday morning.
“This morning, parents, grandparents, sisters, brothers will wake up without someone they love. The nation mourns with you, and Canada stands by you,” he said.
Carney added that he has spoken with B.C. Premier David Eby and “all assistance obviously will be offered.”
He also thanked all “first responders, teachers, staff, residents for everything they have done in this terrible situation.”
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“We will get through this, we will learn from this, but right now it’s a time to come together as Canadians always do in these situations.”
Governor General Mary Simon offered her condolences to the families of the victims.
“In this unimaginable moment of tragedy, the whole of Canada has Tumbler Ridge in its thoughts. Let us stay united in our compassion and reach out to one another with love and tenderness today, as we join the entire nation in grieving,” Simon said in a statement.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre called the shooting a “senseless act of violence.”
“I can’t even imagine the phone calls that parents might have received. I can’t imagine the heartache and hell that they’re living through at this moment. This is a time for all Canadians to unite, to support the families and the community at large. We’ll be in touch with the Prime Minister and the other parties later today to offer all of our support.” Poilievre said on Wednesday.
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