Premier Christy Clark delivered the following statement in the legislature following the tragedy at Western Forest Products Mill in Nanaimo:

Madam Speaker,

Earlier today, a horrible tragedy took place in Nanaimo.

Police were called to the Western Forest Products Mill in response to calls about a shooting.

The RCMP was on the scene within minutes, and have a suspect in custody.

Details are still emerging, and officials are still investigating, but we do know four people were shot.

Two are being treated at the hospital. Two people lost their lives.

This kind of tragedy is almost unknown in British Columbia. Most of us here today cannot imagine what the victims and their families must be going through.

They should know they are not alone. The people of British Columbia are standing with them.

Victim support services are on the ground, available to workers and their families.

I know members on both sides of this house will join me in extending our thoughts and prayers to the victims, their families, and everyone in Nanaimo affected by today’s events.

Media Contacts:

Sam Oliphant
Press Secretary
Office of the Premier
250 952-7252