Vancouver tragedy casts a pall on final day of election campaign

The final day of the federal election campaign took a tragic turn as leaders reacted to the devastating news of nine people losing their lives at a Filipino street festival in Vancouver. The incident occurred when a driver of a black SUV plowed into a crowd at the Lapu Lapu Day festival, an event celebrating the Filipino Canadian community.

Prime Minister Mark Carney, who had cancelled his morning events, expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and acknowledged the 20 individuals who were injured in what police described as a “car-ramming attack.” Carney emphasized the heartbreaking reality that families had lost loved ones in a senseless act of violence.

The Liberal leader had planned to end his campaign in British Columbia but reconsidered following the tragic event. He assured Canadians that there was no active threat to their safety, as confirmed by the minister of public safety and the national security adviser. The suspect, a 30-year-old Vancouver man known to police, was apprehended by members of the public until law enforcement arrived.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, offering his condolences at a Filipino community church, echoed Carney’s sentiments of unity and solidarity with the Filipino community. NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, who had left the festival moments before the attack, expressed his deep sorrow and pledged support to the grieving community.

As the leaders navigated the somber atmosphere, campaign plans were adjusted to reflect the gravity of the situation. Carney cancelled large rallies, while Singh canceled all campaign stops except for an event in Penticton, B.C. The Lapu Lapu Day festival, which commemorates an Indigenous chieftain’s resistance against Spanish explorers in the 16th century, serves as a reminder of the community’s resilience in the face of adversity.

Despite the tragedy, millions of Canadians are expected to exercise their democratic right by casting their ballots in the upcoming general election. The leaders, in their respective campaigns, acknowledged the importance of unity and support in times of grief, emphasizing the need for compassion and solidarity in the midst of tragedy.