'Canadians are with you. We will always be with you': PM addresses vigil for Tumbler Ridge shooting victims

Prime Minister Mark Carney led federal, provincial and local leaders in praising the resilience and grace of Tumbler Ridge residents at a vigil in memory of the victims of Tuesday's mass shooting in the B.C. community.

The shooting, in which eight people were killed including six children, has rocked the tight-knit community in northeast B.C., as well as the country as a whole.

Partisan politics were put aside as federal leaders joined Friday's vigil.

Carney was joined by Gov. Gen. Mary Simon, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, Green Party Leader Elizabeth May, Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet and NDP interim Leader Don Davies, among others.

In his remarks at the vigil, Carney said it was important for leaders to be present for the people of Tumbler Ridge, and not just through a screen from Ottawa.

"We wanted you to hear that Canadians are with you. We will always be with you," he said.

"We wanted you to hear that whatever portion of your sadness that Canadians can bear to help to ease your heavy load, we will gladly do so."

The vigil started with attendees singing O Canada, followed by Tumbler Ridge Mayor Darryl Krakowka asking for a moment of silence to honour the victims.

"None of us walks through this alone," Krakowka said during his opening speech.

"This evening is about remembrance, it's about reflection, it's about love."

Carney began his remarks by acknowledging previous crises in Tumbler Ridge — tough economic times and wildfires — and how the community came together to support each other then.

"And when the unimaginable happened on Tuesday, you were there again," he said. "First responders at the school in less than two minutes. Teachers shielding their children.

"You held each other — as you’re holding each other right now."

Carney went on to remember some of the victims in the shooting, and offered prayers to those who are fighting for their lives.