Nunavut mourns Tumbler Ridge, B.C., shooting victims

Flags at public buildings in Iqaluit and other parts of Nunavut were lowered to half-mast Wednesday to honour the victims of Tuesday’s school shooting in Tumbler Ridge, B.C.

Nine people died and 27 were injured Tuesday in what’s considered one of the worst mass shootings in Canadian history.

Prime Minister Mark Carney said in a statement he was “devastated” by the shootings.

Gov. Gen. Mary Simon said people in the B.C. community need “all the support and love we can muster during this dark time.”

The tragedy forced Simon to change her itinerary. She had been scheduled to host an announcement that Arviat had been chosen to host Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami’s planned Inuit Nunangat University. But the event at her Rideau Hall residence in Ottawa was cancelled and moved to ITK’s office, and Simon did not participate.

“In this unimaginable moment of tragedy, the whole of Canada has Tumbler Ridge in its thoughts.” Simon said in a statement issued Wednesday morning.

By noon Wednesday, flags on federal buildings across the country — including the government office and RCMP headquarters, both on Sivumugiaq Street in Iqaluit — had been lowered to half-mast.

The City of Iqaluit followed suit later Wednesday, announcing flags on all city buildings and facilities would also be lowered.

“Communities across the country are mourning alongside Tumbler Ridge as we collectively reflect on the impact of this tragedy,” a public service announcement issued by city spokesperson Geoff Byrne said.

City flags are to remain lowered until sunset on Feb. 17, following the national rules for half-masting the national flag of Canada, it said.