Premier David Eby has issued the following statement marking the anniversary of the Lapu Lapu Day festival tragedy:

“One year ago, British Columbians were left reeling from an unspeakable and unprecedented tragedy on the streets of Vancouver. What began as a joyful celebration of Filipino culture and history for families and neighbours ended in devastating violence that still resonates in our hearts today.

“The utterly senseless and vicious attack on the Lapu Lapu Day Block Party is as incomprehensible today as it was a year ago. Eleven beloved lives were lost. Dozens of people were badly injured and countless more were left traumatized for life.

“This tragedy should never seem normal. It should always shock and horrify us. And it is impossible to make peace with the scale of the devastation that took place.

“Today, we hold the lives lost that night in honour and in love, and we grieve with the community that still carries the trauma of this event.

“We pause today to remember and mourn. On behalf of all British Columbians, we stand in solidarity with the Filipino community and all whose lives have been forever changed by this tragedy.”