Vancouver tragedy casts a pall on final day of election campaign
Singh was at Lapu Lapu Day festival and left moments before driver rammed into crowd
The final day of the federal election campaign took on a sombre tone as the leaders reacted to the deaths of 11 people at a Filipino street festival in Vancouver Saturday night.
Vancouver police said a driver of a black SUV slammed into a crowd just after 8 p.m. PT at the Lapu Lapu Day festival, which was celebrating the contributions of the Filipino Canadian community.
The final day of an election campaign is usually a hectic sprint of events as the leaders try to build final momentum and get their message to undecided voters. But the grim incident in Vancouver saw the leaders pause and recalibrate in wake of the horrific event.
Prime Minister Mark Carney cancelled his morning events to address Canadians Sunday morning, offering his condolences to the families of the victims. He said Canadians are heartbroken at what "police are describing as a car-ramming attack," that's also left dozens injured, some critically.
"Last night, families lost a sister, a brother, a mother, a father, a son or daughter. Those families are living every family's nightmare," said Carney, who will end the day in British Columbia.
"I know that I join all Canadians in mourning with you. I know that Canadians are united with you."
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.
Kai-Ji Adam Lo, 30, faces eight counts of murder. On Sunday morning, police said he has "a significant history" with police and health-care professionals related to mental health.
Lo is set to make a court appearance Sunday afternoon.
Carney thanked first responders and said local law enforcement and officials have the full support of the federal government.
Carney went ahead with a toned-down cross-country blitz, which started in Ontario and has stops planned for Saskatchewan and Alberta before ending the day in British Columbia.
His campaign cancelled large rallies in Calgary and Richmond, B.C., but is continuing with smaller events with supporters and volunteers. Carney will join B.C. Premier David Eby and community leaders this evening in Vancouver.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre started his day speaking to congregants at a Filipino community church.
"I know many of you are shocked, heartbroken and saddened by this senseless act of violence and by the innocent and treasured lives that have been lost," he said, holding hands with his wife Anaida Poilievre.
"All Canadians are united in solidarity with the Filipino community."
He held a mid-morning rally in Oakville, Ont., where the crowd marked a moment of silence before Poilievre launched into his stump speech.
Later on Sunday, Poilievre said in a social media post he spoke with Eby, Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim and Philippine Consul General Gina Jamoralin.
Singh left minutes before car rammed into crowd
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh had been at the festival Saturday 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 cancelled multiple campaign events on Sunday, including attending the Vaisakhi parade in Oliver, B.C., to celebrate the Sikh holiday. Instead, the NDP campaign said he'll attend a Tagalog-language mass a St. Mary's Parish in Vancouver.
During a media availability in Penticton, B.C., Sunday morning, an emotional Singh vowed to never "let hate win."
"We honour those we lost, not by giving into fear, but by living in their spirit, by building a Canada where no one is treated as disposable," he said.
Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet did not alter his final campaign itinerary, but did offer his thoughts to the victims and anyone who was at the festival.
"I do not offer to represent specifically the people of British Columbia, which does not prevent me from having felt all the pain that comes with such a situation," he said from Quebec City.
Millions of Canadians are expected to cast their ballots Monday in the general election.
Recent polling suggests the Liberals are favoured to win, but the margin between the party and the Conservatives has tightened in the home stretch.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
With files from the Canadian Press