Governor General Mary Simon is scheduled to travel to Tumbler Ridge in northeastern B.C. on Monday to show support to the community in the aftermath of a tragic mass shooting on February 10 that claimed the lives of eight individuals, including six children, by the hands of 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, who later took her own life at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. The incident deeply impacted the nation and triggered an overwhelming wave of sorrow.
Following the shooting, Simon promptly attended a community vigil in Tumbler Ridge and now plans to spend two days starting Monday in the community as part of her commitment to aiding in the healing process. Her agenda includes a meeting with Tumbler Ridge Mayor Darryl Krakowka on Monday, followed by discussions with first responders. The following day, Simon is slated to visit the temporary location of Tumbler Ridge Secondary School and engage with healthcare professionals.
With mental health at the forefront of her mandate, the Governor General intends to explore the efforts being made to provide accessible, community-based mental health services in Tumbler Ridge during her visit. Her office emphasized that the purpose of the visit is to acknowledge the resilience of the community in the face of adversity and to interact with students, educators, and other community members.
B.C. Premier David Eby disclosed on Wednesday that the RCMP investigation into the mass shooting is nearing its conclusion, although there is no definite timeline for when the investigation findings will be made public. A coroner’s inquest into the case has been initiated, with specific details on the timing and location to be announced once the police investigation concludes.