Pride society calls for increased mental health supports after Tumbler Ridge school shooting

TUMBLER RIDGE, B.C. — The North Peace Pride Society is offering its condolences and calling for increased mental health supports following what it describes as an “unimaginable tragedy” at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School.

In a statement posted to Facebook on February 11th, the organization’s board of directors extended its “deepest condolences to the families, friends, loved ones and the entire Tumbler Ridge community” in the wake of the shooting on February 10th.

“Our hearts are with the students, staff and families navigating this profound loss,” the statement reads. “In the Peace region, we are a close-knit community; when one of us hurts, we all feel the impact.”

The society emphasized the importance of community support during times of grief, encouraging residents to lean on one another and ensure no one feels alone.

The North Peace Pride Society also used the statement to advocate for expanded mental health resources in rural and remote communities. 

The organization called on the provincial government to increase access to “robust, accessible mental health supports” across the region.

“We believe that every person in our region, regardless of who they are or how they identify, deserves access to robust, accessible mental health supports,” the statement continued. 

“We call on the government of British Columbia for increased resources and care for our rural and remote communities to help everyone navigate the difficult days and months ahead.”

Concluding the message, the society called for unity, compassion and empathy.

“Now is the time for us to come together with quiet compassion and unwavering empathy. Let us focus on supporting the healing of those most affected and standing together as one resilient community.”

In a February 11th press conference, BC RCMP identified the shooter as 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar. Police said Rootselaar was a transgender woman who began transitioning about six years ago.

In the days following the shooting, transgender advocates and experts have warned against using the tragedy to vilify an entire demographic.

This comes after MLA Tara Armstrong claimed on social media there is an “epidemic of transgender violence.” Experts say such claims are not supported by available data.

Fae Johnstone, executive director of national advocacy group Queer Momentum, said the focus should remain on the victims and their families.

“The actions of one individual do not represent a whole community and any attempt to politicize this tragedy is fundamentally un-Canadian,” Johnstone told The Canadian Press.

Johnstone said a surge in anti-trans behaviour online following the shooting compelled her to speak out, expressing concern that members of the community could face increased harassment or discrimination.

In its statement, the North Peace Pride Society also provided mental health resources for those affected by the shooting:

• The province’s HelpStartsHere website
• B.C.’s Mental Health Support Line at 310-6789
• Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868, texting “CONNECT” to 686868 or through live online chat counselling.