Tumbler Ridge killings prompts very different start to B.C. legislative session

By Canadian Press on February 12, 2026.

VICTORIA — A new session of the British Columbia legislature opened today with Lt.-Gov. Wendy Cocchia saying in the speech from the throne that the people of Tumble Ridge, B.C., are “suffering unimaginable pain.”

Governments traditionally use the speech of a new legislative session to outline their agendas, but Cocchia’s brief speech says the “people of Tumbler Ridge are wrapped in the care and compassion of an entire province and a country that mourns along them.”

MLAs closed the preceding legislative session today with a minute of silence for the eight people, mostly children, who were killed and dozens more hurt in the shootings at the high school and the home of the killer.

The speech from the throne says the thoughts of British Columbians “are with the victims, their loved ones, and a tight-knit community suffering unimaginable pain.”

At less that 250 words long, the speech says that government is “profoundly grateful to the first responders, health care workers, teachers, and school staff whose courage and swift action helped save lives.”

Cocchia says their “service reflects the very best of our province” and that in “times of sorrow, British Columbians come together.”

And while the lieutenant governor represents the King, she says on a personal note that her heart aches for the families and students, and that as a mother, “it’s impossible to comprehend the pain and grief” that comes from seeing somebody off for the day, without them coming home.

The three official parties in the Legislature agreed after the shooting rampage that the speech would not be “traditional” and Cocchia’ didn’t have the usual red-carpet entrance, with an honour guard, music or a 15-gun salute.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 12, 2026.

Wolfgang Depner, The Canadian Press