Thursday February 12, 2026 | VICTORIA, BC
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
Instead of a ‘government of the day’ political Throne Speech, today Lieutenant Governor Wendy Cocchia delivered a short poignant message to the families of the Tumbler Ridge victims and the community of that town.
The change in format was collaboratively agreed by Mike Farnworth, Government House Leader; Á’a:líya Warbus, Official Opposition House Leader; and Rob Botterell, BC Greens House Leader.
Today was proclaimed as a day of mourning in the province of British Columbia.
The session of the BC Legislative Assembly this afternoon began at 2 pm, with an Indigenous welcome, the Lieutenant Governor’s speech, her shaking of hands with various Ministers and MLAs on her way out of the Chamber, followed by some very brief procedural items.
The Lieutenant Governor’s Speech
February 12, 2026 | three minutes:
“Today I bring this message from the Throne and from the sacred territories of the Lekwungen, Songhees and Esquimalt People, with respect, compassion, and sympathy.
“We begin this session with heavy hearts following the tragedy in Tumbler Ridge.
“Our thoughts are with the victims, the loved ones and the tight knit community suffering unimaginable pain.
“We hold them in our prayers and stand with them in their grief.
“Today the people of Tumbler Ridge are wrapped in the care and compassion of an entire province and a country that mourns alongside them.
“We are profoundly grateful to the first responders, the health care workers, the teachers, and the school workers whose courage and swift action helped save lives.
“Their service reflects the very best of our province. In times of sorrow, British Columbians come togehter.
“May we carry that spirit forward, supporting the community and one another in the days and months ahead.
“If I may just take a moment, and on a personal note, like his Majesty King Charles, her Majesty the Queen, and her Excellency Mary Simon, I wish to add my personal message of deep love and support to everyone in the community of TR and that is affected by this tragedy.
“As a mother, it’s absolutely impossible to comprehend the pain and the sorrow that people are experiencing. Nobody thinks for a moment that you will send your child or your loved one off in the morning and that they will not return. My heart aches for everyone in this situation.And again, we send our deep appreciation to the first responders and health care workers.
“When Mayor Darryl Krakowka was asked many times, how can we help. He said, so many times, you can offer a hug. And I think that is very wise, because at a time of deep grief, often we retreat and we withdraw.
“But what often helps the healing process, as well, is connectivity. I want the people of Tumbler Ridge to know, unequivocally, that we are always here for you, and we will always have a hug waiting for you.”
Next week:
Next week, after Family Day long weekend, BC Budget 2026 will be delivered on Tuesday February 17.
===== RELATED:
- NEWS SECTIONS: HEALTH | BC POLITICS | EDUCATION | 45th PARLIAMENT OF CANADA
- BC Throne Speech adapted to proclaimed day of mourning following Tumbler Ridge shooting (February 11, 2026)
- Federal ministers head to Tumbler Ridge with BC Premier & Safety Minister (February 11, 2026)
- Tributes in the House of Commons about Tumbler Ridge shooting (February 11, 2026)
- BC Premier Eby on the Tumbler Ridge shooting (February 10, 2026)
- Prime Minister Carney’s statement on the shooting in Tumbler Ridge (February 10, 2026)
- Ten dead in Tumbler Ridge shooting incident (February 10, 2026)
- Tumbler Ridge elementary & secondary schools on active shooter lockdown (February 10, 2026)