Vancouver tragedy casts a pall on final day of election campaign

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.

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," 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 end Sunday in British Columbia, including a stop in Vancouver, but his campaign has suggested those plans may change in the wake of the incident.

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. His campaign said he has spoken with B.C. Premier David Eby.

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 all the leaders try and strike a respectful tone while on the road.

Carney had planned to do a cross-country blitz — going from Ontario to stops in Saskatchewan and Alberta before ending the day in Vancouver and Victoria. His campaign cancelled large rallies in Calgary and Richmond, B.C. The leader is proceeding with smaller engagements in Saskatoon and Edmonton. It's still unclear if he'll campaign in B.C. as originally scheduled.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre went ahead with a mid-morning rally in Oakville, Ont., but first offered his condolences 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."