There was no red carpet, no band or the usual 15-gun salute for British Columbia Lt.-Gov. Wendy Cocchia when she entered the legislature Thursday to read the speech from the throne.
Instead, she dedicated her speech to the people of Tumbler Ridge, B.C., saying that they are "suffering unimaginable pain."
Governments traditionally use the speech of a new legislative session to outline their agendas, but Cocchia's brief speech said the "people of Tumbler Ridge are wrapped in the care and compassion of an entire province and a country that mourns along with them."
MLAs closed the preceding legislative session on Thursday with a minute of silence for the eight people, mostly children, who were killed and dozens more hurt in the shootings both at the local high school and the home of the killer.
The speech from the throne says the thoughts of British Columbians "are with the victims, their loved ones and a tight-knit community suffering unimaginable pain."
The speech, which was just minutes long, says that government is "profoundly grateful to first responders, health-care workers, teachers, and school staff whose courage and swift action helped save lives."
Cocchia says their "service reflects the very best of our province" and that in "times of sorrow, British Columbians come together."
While the lieutenant-governor represents the King, she said on a personal note that her heart aches for the families and students, and that as a mother, "it’s impossible to comprehend the pain and grief" that comes from seeing somebody off for the day, without them coming home.
The three official parties in the legislature agreed after the shooting rampage that the speech would not be "traditional."
Cocchia also departed from the speaking text, when she urged British Columbians to follow the advice of Tumbler Ridge Mayor Darryl Krakowka, who said people could help those in his community by giving out hugs.
"I think that is very wise, because at a time of deep grief, often we retreat and we withdraw," she said. "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 that we will always have a hug waiting for you."
Premier David Eby, who had travelled back from Tumbler Ridge for the speech, later stood outside the legislature with MLAs from all three parties lined up behind him.
He said the speech from the throne usually involves pomp and ceremony, with many people having put in a lot of time and work.
"But everybody, from all parties, understood why we could not go ahead with the throne speech today, why we couldn't go on with business as normal, because this is not a normal today for British Columbia or for Canada, and why we had to stand together with the families in Tumbler Ridge today," he said.
He said the business of government will continue, but part of serving the province is "recognizing a moment of tragedy and horror and standing strong with those families."
"The symbolic standing with the community is the most important thing," he said. "It is what we can do when everyone struggles to know what to do."
The premier said sitting in the legislature felt different from the "raw reality" of Tumbler Ridge and the grief that residents are currently experiencing.
"The routines of the legislature can be a comfort, but at the same time, they can feel pretty empty and today, they felt pretty empty," he said. "That's why we needed to end the day early, that is why my colleagues and I need to reach out to our communities, who are all suffering."
Interim Conservative leader Trevor Halford said the legislature has taken the right steps, and that his caucus will support the community in any way it can.
"I think at some point, some important questions are going to have to be asked," he said, when asked about the state of health care, including mental health services, in Tumbler Ridge.
"We have known about the issues in Tumbler Ridge in terms of emergency care for quite a while, and those need to be addressed at the right time, and to make sure that those gaps are closed."
Halford said his party will work with anybody to help address those gaps. "But there will be a time for those questions."
Right now, the focus is on supporting the community, he said.
Picture Courtesy: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito
