February 11 2026

The National Union of Public and General Employees is mourning the lives lost in the shooting in Tumbler Ridge, B.C., and sending solidarity to everyone affected in the community.

“This is a devastating time for Tumbler Ridge and for all of Canada. We should all feel safe sending our children to school and within our communities,” said NUPGE President Bert Blundon. “Our hearts are with the families and loved ones grieving, and with the students, school staff, and first responders who are carrying the weight of this tragedy. We are thinking of everyone in Tumbler Ridge.”

In the days ahead, the focus must be on care and recovery. That means ensuring Tumbler Ridge has every support it needs, from emergency and victim services, to health care, counselling, and community-based mental health resources, for as long as people need them.

“Grief doesn’t end when the headlines move on,” Blundon said. “Tumbler Ridge will need support, and we all need to step up to provide it.”