Governor General visits Tumbler Ridge, B.C., to show support as the community grieves

Gov. Gen. Mary Simon says returning to Tumbler Ridge, B.C., months after the tragic mass shooting in the community, is an experience that will stick with her for a long time.

Simon says she wanted to come back to the northeast British Columbia community to meet families of victims and front line workers who she didn’t get to spend time with in February when she attended a vigil with politicians including Prime Minister Mark Carney.

Simon has spent two days in Tumbler Ridge meeting privately with community members and says grief and healing look different for everyone but there are supports in place to help those in need.

On Feb. 10, Jesse Van Rootselaar killed her mother and half-brother in their home, before going to a local school where she killed five students and a teaching assistant, then herself.

The tragedy thrust the small community into the international spotlight and Simon says they are still receiving cards of support from around the world.

She says those small acts of kindness are important as the community heals.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 29, 2026.

Ashley Joannou, The Canadian Press