By Curtis Goodrum

School Safety

Provincial school safety protocols under review following Tumbler Ridge shooting

Feb 19, 2026 | 6:11 PM

KAMLOOPS — District Parent Advisory Councils (DPAC) across the province have been working with school districts to let parents know that schools are safe in the wake of last weeks’ shooting in Tumbler Ridge.

More that a week later, the nation is still in mourning after eight people were killed and 27 others were treated for their injuries.

“They will be taking safety seriously. They will be rechecking protocols, processes and spaces to make sure that they are ready should something happen, ” said Bonnie McBride, the President of Kamloops (SD73) DPAC and a leader of the provincial DPAC. 

“From a parent perspective, there is a great deal of appreciation for the actions of the people who were involved and an appreciation for everybody that’s been supporting kids and families.”

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Every public school district in British Columbia falls under the Schools Act, which outlines what schools are required to do and outlines emergency protocols.

“These policies and procedures range from children who might have an anaphylactic reaction to situations such as someone who is not wanted on a school property,” added SD73 Superintendent Mike St. John. “There’s regular review especially when we have our lockdown drills and our fire drills that are mandated, and we do regularly, and our principals lead, staff and students through them.”

McBride has been in contact with the DPAC in Tumbler Ridge and says the situation that happened at Norkam Secondary in November helped them provide support. That incident also led SD73 to commit to making changes to how it communicates with the public.

“What our parent community went through, after the incident in North, and we were able to very, very quickly share out with the School District 59 parent advisory council resources that they could share for their parents,” said McBride. 

The incident that happened at Tumbler Ridge was plagued with misinformation around the shooter’s identity before it was released by authorities. It caused some students to be worried for their safety, but SD73 is assuring people that every student is being supported. 

“Every student in our schools can come to school being seen and heard and cared about,” St. John added. “We acknowledge that there’s perhaps some information that’s shared around certain communities about this situation but I can’t say that we’ve specifically addressed it because that’s our work every day to make sure that every student in our school feels that way, that they feel supported.”

“Families in our community reach out for help for their children who are a bit nervous about their experiences at school. We have provided resources for those families,” added McBride.

A statement from Tumbler Ridge Secondary School’s Parent Advisory Council was also sent to CFJC, and it is included below in its entirety:

“As we navigate today and the next few days we are focusing inward on our students, families, and neighbours,” it read. “Our community continues to grieve following the tragic shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School.”

“Lives have been lost, others have been forever changed, and our hearts remain with the families and community as a whole experiencing unimaginable pain. In a close-knit community like Tumbler Ridge, this loss is felt deeply by us all. Parents, students, staff, and community members are navigating shock, sorrow, and uncertainty.”

“We remain incredibly grateful to the RCMP, first responders, health-care professionals, and most of all school staff who acted swiftly and courageously in the face of tragedy.”

“As we focus on supporting one another, the Parents Advisory Committee has been working closely with the District of Tumbler Ridge and Lakeview Credit Union to ensure there is a trusted and transparent way for those who wish to help the affected families. Donations can be made by e-transfer to TRStrong@lvcu.ca. In addition, the PAC GoFundMe campaign (posted on our social media) will be deposited directly into this same account. Funds will be distributed to the families most affected, ensuring support goes where it is needed.”

“We ask the community to continue relying on verified information from school officials and law enforcement and to respect the privacy of the families during this incredibly difficult time.

Please continue to check in on one another, especially our children.”

“The emotional impact of this tragedy will be lasting, and support and compassion will be essential in the days and weeks ahead. To the Tumbler Ridge community – we grieve together, we stand together, and we will move forward.”