Victoria – The events in Tumbler Ridge are both shocking and deeply tragic. Our hearts are with the families who have lost loved ones, with those who are injured, and with the entire Tumbler Ridge community and the broader Peace Region as they face an unimaginable loss.
When violence enters a school, it alters how young people experience safety in spaces that should be protective and predictable. Children and youth across British Columbia, and particularly in the Peace Region, will be trying to make sense of what has happened and what it means for them. They will need our support in the days and weeks ahead.
We are also concerned about the speculation and assumptions circulating in the aftermath of this tragedy. Public narratives that single out particular groups of young people can cause additional harm and stigma. This includes young people who already experience stigma. We urge care in public discourse while authorities continue their work, and we remind communities that protecting young people from further harm must remain a priority.
We know that when harm touches the lives of children and youth, its effects are rarely isolated. Trauma reverberates across families, schools, and communities. Strong public systems are essential not only in moments of crisis but also in preventing violence and ensuring that early warning signs, risk factors, and service gaps are addressed before harm escalates. This is ongoing work that requires coordination, accountability, and sustained attention.
Connection, belonging, love and consistent caring relationships are powerful protective factors in the lives of young people, that enhance their sense of safety and well-being. This tragedy is a reminder to all that now is the time to hold our young people close and wrap them with care, respect and love.
Recovery from trauma is not measured in days. Children and youth who experience violence require sustained mental health supports, stable environments, and coordinated systems of care. In the days and weeks ahead, adequate resourcing, consistency and connection will matter greatly.
We acknowledge the health care professionals, first responders, school staff, and community members across Tumbler Ridge and the Peace Region who are acting with courage and care during this crisis.
As more information becomes available, the Office of the Representative for Children and Youth will assess how we can assist under our oversight mandate for advocacy, reviews, investigations and public system monitoring. As we learn more in the coming days, we will publicly share information about our response and next steps.
Mental health supports are available to students, staff, and families:
310-Mental Health (BC Mental Health Support Line)
Phone: 310-6789 (no area code required)
Provides emotional support, information, and referrals
Website: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/mental-health-supports
Kids Help Phone
Phone: 1-800-668-6868 (toll-free, 24/7)
Text: CONNECT to 686868 for 24/7 text support
Website: https://kidshelpphone.ca
Foundry Virtual BC
Free same-day virtual mental health and wellness services for young people aged 12 to 24 and their caregivers in British Columbia.
Access through the Foundry BC app or web portal.
Hours: Monday to Friday, 10 am to 9 pm; Saturday and Sunday, 10 am to 6 pm.
Website: https://foundrybc.ca
Media contact: Sara Darling, 778 679 2588
