COLUMN: On Parliament Hill – A nation with a broken heart and open arms

On Feb. 11, parliamentary leaders paused House of Commons proceedings to address the nation following the tragic mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, B.C. In his comments to the House, Pierre Poilievre’s words included a request for all Canadians to pray for the community and for the families, offering whatever support we can.

Canadians watched as political leaders seized the moment to unite in the face of this unthinkable tragedy. Throughout the weekend, a picture capturing that unity circulated widely in the media, showing political leaders and the governor general standing hand in hand.

Canada stands with the people of Tumbler Ridge.

Standing alongside Prime Minister Mark Carney and other federal party leaders, Pierre Poilievre described the moment as one of grace and unity in Canadian politics. “We all lead political parties,” he said, “But today there are no Conservatives, no Liberals, no New Democrats, no Bloc, no Greens. We are all, as we were on that plane together, mothers and fathers.”

Addressing the grieving community of Tumbler Ridge, Poilievre spoke of Canada being a nation with a broken heart and open arms, describing those arms as wrapping around all the people of Tumbler Ridge in love. He stated, “We are all, today, Tumbler Ridge strong.”

As parents, there is a universal expectation that when children leave for school, they will return home safely. “We have all experienced that moment when a child leaves your sight for even an instant,” he said. “The terror it gives us offers only the tiniest glimpse of the heartache parents are suffering today.”

Both Mr. Carney and Mr. Poilievre acknowledged that no words will ever fill the infinite gap that is now in their lives. As Mr. Poilievre met with the community, he was told the silence replacing their child’s presence is unbearable. Still, the expectation that their child may walk in at any moment remains.

Addressing the teachers, students, and administrators who witnessed what he called “a tremendous horror that will be marked on your memories forever,” Mr. Poilievre reflected on how barricaded classrooms and students shielding and protecting each other demonstrated “relentless courage.”

First responders—police, paramedics, and firefighters—were thanked for what he described as swift and selfless action. “We will be forever grateful,” he said.

Finally, Mr. Poilievre described the people of Tumbler Ridge as the backbone of our nation—the people living in and forming what he called an “incredible town.” Both the prime minister and Mr. Poilievre acknowledged the great hardships of wildfires, the closing and reopening of coal mines, and the economic strain that the people have had to endure. Consequently, they are known for their relentless hard work and hardy nature, fighting their own battles but never far from helping a neighbour in need.

In addressing them directly, he said, “Some might call them ordinary people. But I call them extraordinary. There is nothing ordinary about the people in this town.”

Poilievre read out some of the names of the victims—Abel Mwansa, Ezekiel Schofield, Ticaria Lampert, Zoey Benoit, Kylie Smith, Shannda Aviugana-Durand, Emmett Jacobs, and Jennifer Strang—because behind these names were stories, dreams, and futures. There was one student who dreamt of becoming an artist; a charming young man who loved school; a teacher who would sneak candy and gum past the administrator to make every child feel special; and a student who was described as a light in the community. These are the stories that were cut far too short.

Asking what we do in this loss, Mr. Poilievre asked, “How do we ensure they live on?” He responded, “In the memories of their incredible lives and by holding our own children a little tighter.” He added, “We have nothing but the present.”

In closing, Mr. Poilievre recited the poem If Tomorrow Starts Without Me, commonly attributed to David M. Romano—a reflection on grief, love, and the enduring presence of those who have passed.

In a moment marked by sorrow, the message was simple: a broken heart, open arms, and a nation standing together.