The final day of the federal election campaign took on a sombre tone as the leaders reacted to the deaths of nine people at a Filipino street festival in Vancouver Saturday night.
Vancouver police said a driver of a black SUV slammed into a crowd just before 8 p.m. PT at the Lapu Lapu Day festival, which was celebrating the contributions of the Filipino-Canadian community.
Prime Minister Mark Carney addressed Canadians Sunday morning, offering his condolences to the families of the nine victims. He said 20 people were injured in what police are calling a “car-ramming attack.”
“Last night, families lost a sister, a brother, a mother, a father, a son or daughter. Those families are living every family’s nightmare,” Carney said.
“I know that I join all Canadians in mourning with you. I know that Canadians are united with you.”
The Liberal leader was scheduled to spend part of Sunday in British Columbia but his team said he’s delayed his campaign in light of the horrific events.
Carney said he was briefed overnight by the minister of public safety and the national security adviser, who believe there is “no active threat” to Canadians.
Members of the public held the suspect, a 30-year-old Vancouver man who was known to police, until officers arrived on the scene and took him into custody.
Carney thanked first responders and said local law enforcement and officials have the full support of the federal government. He said he will speak with B.C. Premier David Eby and Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim in the coming hours.
The final day of an election campaign is usually a hectic sprint of events as the leaders try to get their message to undecided voters, but the grim incident in Vancouver was noted by all the leaders.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has a rally in Oakville, Ont., planned for this morning, but will first pray with congregants at a Filipino community church.
“My thoughts are with the Filipino community and all the victims targeted by this senseless attack,” he posted on social media.
“Thank you to the first responders who are at the scene as we wait to hear more.”
Singh left minutes before car rammed into crowd
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh had been at the festival and left just minutes before the incident happened.
The leader appeared visibly shaken when he spoke to reporters later, recounting the families he met.
“There were kids there, there were families there, they were so full of joy,” he said. “I don’t have the words to describe the pain I am feeling right now, the lives that are lost.”
Singh said the Filipino community should know it isn’t alone.
“We’re going to defend you, we’re going to protect you, we’re going to shelter you, we’re going to hold you,” he said. “This is so horrific.”
Lapu Lapu Day celebrates Datu Lapu-Lapu, an Indigenous chieftain who stood up to Spanish explorers who came to the Philippines in the 16th century.
Millions of Canadians are expected to cast their ballots Monday in the general election.
