Throne speech to open the BC Legislative session tomorrow cancelled, LG to speak instead ...
B.C. throne speech cancelled because of Tumbler Ridge shooting
VICTORIA — The three official parties in British Columbia's provincial legislature have announced the cancellation of Thursday's throne speech because of the mass shooting that claimed nine lives in Tumbler Ridge, B.C.
Interim B.C. Conservative leader Trevor Halford said it was time to put politics aside.
"Yesterday, parents packed their kids' lunch," he said. "Today, they are making funeral arrangements. There is no place for politics in any of this."
Halford said the focus in the coming days should be on the people of Tumbler Ridge. "Those kids, those people of Tumbler Ridge are the absolute priority."
A joint statement from the three party house leaders in the legislature said the speech is being cancelled in recognition of the "horrific shooting and tragic loss of life" in the community in northeastern British Columbia.
Government house leader Mike Farnworth, the opposition's A'aliya Warbus and Rob Botterell of the B.C. Greens say lieutenant-governor Wendy Cocchia will instead a deliver a speech dedicated to the people of Tumbler Ridge followed by brief legally required procedures.
Their statement also says legislators will stand for a moment of silence in honour of the victims, their families and the entire community.
It says Thursday will be declared a day of mourning in British Columbia.