Governor General to visit Tumbler Ridge, B.C., as community heals from mass shooting

Gov. Gen. Mary Simon is set to visit the northeast B.C. community of Tumbler Ridge on Monday as residents continue to recover from a mass shooting on Feb. 10 in which eight people were killed.

Six children were among those killed by 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, who killed herself at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. The shooting shook the country to its core and led to an outpouring of grief.

Simon visited the community to attend a community vigil immediately after the shooting. Her office says she will visit the community for two days starting Monday as part of a commitment to support its healing journey.

The Governor General is set to meet with Tumbler Ridge Mayor Darryl Krakowka on Monday, according to her office, and meet with first responders shortly after.

On Tuesday, Simon is set to visit the temporary site of Tumbler Ridge Secondary School and then meet with health-care professionals.

“As mental health has been a central focus of the [Governor General’s] mandate, Her Excellency will spend time with mental health providers to see what is being done to support accessible, community-based mental health services in Tumbler Ridge,” a statement from her office reads.

The Governor General’s office said the visit would “recognize the community’s resilience in the face of adversity,” and that she would meet with students, teachers and other community members.

B.C. Premier David Eby said Wednesday the RCMP investigation into the mass shooting is in its final stages.

He said there was no exact timeline for when the results of the investigation would be released to the public.

B.C.’s chief coroner has called an inquest into the case, with more details about the timing and location expected after police finish their investigation.

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