A week ago, on February 10th, the quiet rhythm of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, was changed forever. As news of the violence began to ripple across the country, many of us didn’t fully “get” the magnitude of what was happening until the next morning. Then, the horror began to dawn on us.
The weight of this tragedy is immense – it stands as one of the darkest days in our history. But as the names and faces of those we lost become known to us, something else is emerging: a profound sense of Canadian connection and a call for a radical demonstration of love.
Beyond Politics: A Rare Moment of Unity
In today’s climate, it is rare to see the political “gloves” come off in exchange for genuine human solidarity. Yet, at the vigil in Tumbler Ridge this past Friday, we saw exactly that.
Standing together in the sub-zero temperatures, Prime Minister Mark Carney, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, and leaders from the NDP, Bloc Quebecois, and Green Party stood side-by-side. There were no campaign slogans or partisan jabs – only a shared silence and a unified promise that the rest of the country is carrying a portion of this grief. To see our leaders set aside their differences to honour a small town in the North is a reminder of the “deep Canadianism” we often forget exists.
The Path of Radical Empathy
The people of Tumbler Ridge are leading us by example. While outside voices have tried to use this event to fuel division, the community has responded with radical empathy that fellow Canadians are embracing. They are reminding us that the perpetrator and their family were victims of a crippled mental health system long before that Tuesday afternoon.
Caring for Tumbler Ridge does not come from a place of politics; it comes from being human. We must move forward in a way that seeks accountability not through blame, but by fixing the systems that allow people to fall through the cracks. It is time we recognize that mental health support is not a luxury – it is a fundamental right. We cannot expect “resilience” from people who have been denied the tools to survive.
The Question of Resilience
What is resilience? We often ask communities to be “resilient” in the face of tragedy, but we must also ask how a tragedy can be used to bring about positive change.
- Unity vs. Isolation: A tragedy like this can bring people together in a beautiful display of “deep Canadianism” – the kind that offers a shoulder to a neighbour. Yet, it can also bring isolation to those suffering in silence.
- The Myth of “Grit”: For too long, we’ve expected people to simple “grit” their way through mental health struggles. But mental health is not a band-aid. We cannot expect people to succeed if they don’t have the tools.
A Turning Point for Mental Health
This should be the final line we cross. According to recent data, 2 in 5 Canadians living with mental health conditions feel their needs are unmet. For those in lower-income brackets, the barrier is even higher; adult in the lowest income groups are significantly less likely to have their mental health needs fully met compared to those in the highest.
If we spend the resources to actually help people instead of assuming everyone can just “try harder,” we would have a stronger, happier country. When “affordable” care isn’t actually accessible to the populations that need it most, the system is broken.
In Loving Memory
As we reflect, we hold the names of those lost in the light. They were more than just headlines; they were artists, “family heroes,” and the literal heartbeat of their community.
Abel Mwansa (12): Remembered for a radiant smile and a spirit that his family and friends will never forget.
Kylie Smith (12): A light in her family, a talented artist, and a figure skater who dreamed of the big city.
Zoey Benoit (12): Vibrant, smart, and the “strongest little girl you could meet,” who filled every room with laughter.
Ticaria “Tiki” Lampert (12): Her mother’s “tiki torch” – fearless, outspoken, and the keep of a “Santa’s sack” of bad dad jokes.
Ezekiel Schofield (13): A young boy whose loss has left an unimaginable void for his classmates and family.
Emmett Jacobs (11): A young life taken far too soon, remembered for his innocence and the love of his family.
Jennifer Jacobs (39): A mother whose life and struggles were part of the complex painful fabric of this tragedy.
Shannda Aviugana-Durand (39): A dedicated educator and mentor who cared deeply for the students of Tumbler Ridge.
Where Do We Go From Here?
To the families and the people of Tumbler Ridge: We see your pain, we honour your grace, and we stand with you. May we all carry a piece of your radical love into the way we treat our own neighbours today.
We must move forward in a new way – one where we seek accountability not through blame, but through fixing the systems that allow people to fall through the cracks. As a country, we are in a process of dissection. We are looking at the why, the who, and the what. If there is any “good” to be found in this heartache, let it be that we finally decide that mental health is a right, not a luxury.
How to Support and Find Help
If you are feeling the weight of these events, please know that you do not have to carry it alone. These services are free, confidential, and available to all Canadians.
Immediate Support for Youth & Adults
- 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call or text 9-8-8 anytime across Canada for immediate, bilingual support.
- Kids Help Phone:
- Youth: Call 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868
- Adults: Text 741741 to connect with a trained Crisis Responder.
- Hope for Wellness Helpline: Specialized support for Indigenous peoples. Call 1-855-242-3310 or visit http://hopeforwellness.ca
Taking Action: Where to Donate
- The GoFundMe Tumbler Ridge Community: GoFundMe has a verified hub for the families including the Tumbler Ridge PAC official fundraiser and individual support for survivors like Maya.
- Canadian Red Cross: You can contribute to the “Tumbler Ridge Tragedy Appeal” at redcross.ca
- Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA): To support mental health advocacy and systematic change nationwide, donate at cmha.ca/donate
Image for graphic by: Dave Smith on Unsplash