A letter to members from BCTF President Carole Gordon.
It is with deep sadness and a heavy heart that I write to you following the deadly shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. This evening 10 February 2026, the RCMP reported that an active shooter took the lives of nine people and injured 25 others. We are still waiting for many details about who the victims are and what happened, but as a mother and a teacher, this news in unfathomable. There are no words to describe such a devastating tragedy.
As educators, we dedicate our lives to nurturing, protecting, and uplifting young people. When violence entres our schools, it shakes the very foundation of our sense of safety and purpose. Please know that your union stands with you—not only in grief, but in solidarity and action.
In the immediate days ahead and in the weeks to follow, we will work with the government, school officials, and others to ensure students, families, and school staff in Tumbler Ridge have access to crisis support. Your well-being is our top priority. We are in close contact with the Peace River South Teachers’ Association and Ministry of Education and Child Care to determine how best we can support those who are directly affected.
However, we know that traumatic events like this have far reaching impacts. If any of our members need support as you struggle with this news, I want to encourage you to access one of the many supports available to you through your extended benefits, the union and in your community. A list of those was emailed to you tonight along with this letter.
Our hearts are with every teacher, student, parent, support staff, paramedic, first responder, healthcare worker, and community member in tightknit Tumbler Ridge.
We will provide further updates with information as it becomes available.
Yours in grief,
Carole Gordon
President of BCTF
A letter to members from KCTU Andy Davidoff to Tumbler Ridge Union President.
Dear Vadah,
On behalf of the Kootenay Columbia Teachers’ Union, I am writing to express our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to you, your members, and the entire Tumbler Ridge community in the wake of today’s tragic and horrific event.
We are devastated by this unimaginable act of violence and the profound loss it has brought to your schools and community.
Our hearts are with the families, friends, colleagues, and students whose lives have been forever changed.
No words can adequately capture the sorrow we feel for you and the pain your members must be carrying tonight.
As educators and union siblings, we share not only a profession but a deep commitment to the safety, care, and well-being of our students and one another.
When one of our communities suffers, we all feel it.
Please know that you are not alone.
We stand beside you in grief, in solidarity, and in resolve to support one another through the difficult days and weeks ahead.
If there is any way our local can offer support—whether through messages to your members, assistance for affected families, or simply holding space for connection—please do not hesitate to reach out.
We are here for you.
In solidarity and with profound sympathy from our hearts to yours,
Andy Davidoff
President
Kootenay Columbia Teachers’ Union
We are devastated by what happened in Tumbler Ridge. Here are some resources that are of help during this uncertain time.
Kootenay-Columbia Teachers' Union 