Premier David Eby says it's time for British Columbia to give back to the Filipino community on a day of remembrance and mourning for victims of the deadly attack on the Lapu Lapu Day festival in Vancouver, and "take steps to ensure such an atrocity never happens again."
Eby issued a statement saying it's a day to come together togrieve those lost, comfort the injured and support witnesses "whose lives will never be the same after seeing this shocking attack."
The day of mourning comes as the suspect in the killings faces court this afternoon.
A community spokesman says the official day of mourning for the 11 people who died after an SUV sped through a crowded street will be part of the healing process but "certainly not the end of it."
RJ Aquino with Filipino BC, the group that organized the Lapu Lapu Day event last Saturday, says the government's designation of the day of mourning shows the significance ofthe tragedy in the history of the province and the city.
One of the events to mark the occasion will be a 5:10 p.m. mass at the Holy Rosary Cathedral in Vancouver.
That's about three hours after the suspect in the case, 30-year-old Adam Kai-Ji Lo, is due to face provincial court tomake an application.
The British Columbia Prosecution Service said Lo's lawyer requested the appearance be moved ahead from the previously scheduled date of May 26.
Lo faces eight charges of second-degree murder and police have said more charges are expected.
Aquino said the community is receiving support from around the world, while memorials to those killed and the dozens hurt continue to grow.
He said additional support from the City of Vancouver, as well as the provincial and federal governments, will be needed tocounter the impact of the attack.
Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim said the attack represented "one ofthe darkest days in our city’s history."
"A celebration meant to uplift community, culture, and pride was shattered by an unthinkable act of violence," he wrote in a statement Friday to mark the day of mourning.
"The pain caused by this tragedy has been felt far beyond the festival grounds, impacting families, friends, and loved ones across Vancouver and throughout British Columbia. We are devastated. We are heartbroken. And we are standing together in grief and in solidarity."
Eby, who is expected to address the mass, said the day ofmourning gives B.C. residents time to reflect on those who died or were injured as they show solidarity with the Filipino community.
Schools and other public offices will remain open, but Eby said he expected employers to be understanding if people wish toattend events or mark the day in their own way.
He said in his statement on Friday that it's "difficult for anyone in British Columbia to not have been touched in some way by a member of the Filipino Canadian community."
"Filipino Canadians have a well-earned reputation as a giving community. Now, it is our turn to give back. To offer care. Tooffer solace. To offer hugs and support. To take steps toensure such an atrocity never happens again," he said.
"This attack will not stop the people of Vancouver and British Columbia from gathering. We will continue to celebrate our rich cultures, religions and heritages. These festivals are highlights of life in our multicultural province and a deep expression of who we are."
He said British Columbia stands in solidarity with the grieving Filipino Canadian community.
"I know this community and our province will emerge from this horrific event stronger than ever."
Picture Courtesy: THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Claire Rush
