Canada: Education International stands in solidarity with education community affected by tragic school shooting
The global education union movement stands with the Canadian Teachers' Federation, the Centrale des syndicats du Québec, and all those impacted by the tragic school shooting that took place in Tumbler Ridge, British Colombia, on February 10.
The small community of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, is mourning the loss of eight lives after a mass shooting on February 10 shattered the town’s sense of safety and left dozens more injured. The victims include five students aged 12 and 13 and a 39-year‑old education assistant at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, as confirmed by CBC News. Two additional victims — the suspect’s 11‑year‑old brother and 39‑year‑old mother — were found at the suspect’s home, according to local coverage and updates by Canadian police.
A total of at least 25–27 people were injured, several critically, as emergency responders and school staff worked swiftly to shelter students and secure the building.
“Schools must always be safe spaces”
“Our hearts go out to the families who have lost a loved one and to the entire Tumbler Ridge[CH1.1] community that is grieving alongside them. We stand with educators across Canada who also feel this loss deeply. Schools must always be safe spaces for learning and growth. All governments have the fundamental duty to ensure schools are protected from any form of violence”, stated David Edwards, Education International General Secretary.
The Canadian Teachers’ Federation and the British Columbia Teachers’ Federation also issued public messages of support, honouring the victims and pledging long-term commitment to the community.
Teachers and staff protected students
Educators at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School acted quickly to protect their students. Science teacher Mark Deeley shared that despite the terror and chaos, he never felt alone.
“I knew the moment the shooting started that other teachers and staff were going to do their best to protect our kids”, Deeley said in a statement shared publicly.
A community focused on healing and recovery
In the aftermath, school officials and trauma‑response teams are working on a plan to resume classes with care and caution. Immediate priorities include:
- Safe return: Ensuring a physically and emotionally safe environment for students when classes resume.
- Trauma-informed care: Recognising that not all students or staff may be ready to return in the near term.
- Support for staff: Acknowledging that some educators may need extended time away or may be unable to return to teaching.
- Community healing: Coordinating counselling, vigils, memorial support, and community‑wide healing initiatives.
For now, Tumbler Ridge — a tight‑knit community of just 2,400 people — grieves together. As local Elder George Desjarlais said during a vigil, “We all need to join hands.” And across Canada, the education community is joining them.
