Senator Yonah Martin was in Tumbler Ridge with MP Bob Zimmer to present Books of Condolences to the families of Abel Mwansa Jr, Ezekiel Schofield, Kylie Smith, Zoey Benoit, Tiki Lampert, Shanda Aviugana-Durand and Jennifer and Emmett Jacobs in an intimate ceremony held at the office that Zimmer shares with MLA Larry Neufeld.
“We come here today so you know that you are not walking this path alone,” said Martin. “My colleague Bob Zimmer and I have brought these books of condolences and tributes recorded in the Hansard of both the House and the Senate. These are not merely documents. They are a permanent official record of Canada’s love for your children and your loved ones.
“In the highest chambers of our democracy, your stories were told. Your loved ones’ names were spoken into the permanent history of our country so that Canada will never forget the lives they lived and the life they brought to your families and to Tumbler Ridge.”
She then addressed the survivors of the tragedy, specifically Maya Gebala, and Paige Hoekstra, “Your strength is an inspiration to the entire nation,” said Martin. “We watch your recovery with hope and continue to hold you in our thoughts.
“We also recognize the educators, staff and first responders who acted with such profound bravery. You have shown the world the true meaning of Tumbler Ridge Strong.
“Our duty now is to ensure that the lessons of this tragedy lead to real systemic change across our country. We owe that to the families here today. As we deliver these books to you, please accept them as a symbol of a nation’s embrace.
“Tumbler Ridge is a community built on mountains. May you find the strength of those mountains in each other today and in the days to come. God bless you, God bless Tumbler Ridge, and God bless Canada. Thank you.”
Zimmer says that spring is coming. “The sun is shining again, the weather’s breaking a little bit, and even as you were walking in here, we saw smiles on your faces again. It’s good to see.”
Each family was presented a commemorative book, as was the mayor.
Trent is the publisher of Tumbler RidgeLines.
