Police to update investigation into deadly car-ramming attack at Vancouver Lapu Lapu Day festival

After greeting congregants at a Filipino community church in Mississauga, Ont., this morning, Poilievre said he was there in solidarity “after the terrible attacks that we witnessed in British Columbia.”

Speaking to the churchgoers, the Conservative leader said he knows many of them are heartbroken by the “senseless act of violence.” He stood hand in hand with his wife, Anaida, as he delivered the remarks.

He added that Canadians would come together to support the families and loved ones of the victims. “All of them will have a deep hole in their hearts today, and we will try to fill it with the love of the entire country.”

In light of the deadly attack in Vancouver, Singh has changed his plans for the last day of campaigning.

He’ll hold a news conference in Penticton, B.C., at 9 a.m. PT, and then return to Vancouver with no further events on his schedule.

Singh had been slated to attend a parade in Penticton before making stops in nearby Oliver and then Vancouver, before ending the day with an event in Coquitlam on Vancouver Island.

Gov. Gen. Mary Simon shared her “deepest condolences” with families and loved ones of the victims of the attack in Vancouver.

“A joyous celebration of Filipino culture, community and heritage ended in loss of life and serious injuries as a result of a horrific act,” she wrote.

“I also want to express my gratitude to all the first responders who rushed to the scene of the incident; your courage, dedication and swift action in the face of such devastation are deeply appreciated.”

We’re going to be hearing more from Vancouver police this morning. Interim Chief Steve Rai is scheduled to hold a news conference at 9 a.m. PT at police headquarters.

I’m Cat Tunney from the Parliamentary Bureau. The final day of the federal election campaign has taken on a sombre tone as the leaders react to the horrific events in Vancouver.

Prime Minister Mark Carney changed his campaign plans and addressed Canadians Sunday morning in Hamilton, Ont., offering condolences to the victims’ families.

“Last night, families lost a sister, a brother, a mother, a father, a son or daughter. Those families are living every family's nightmare,” Carney said.

“I know that I join all Canadians in mourning with you. I know that Canadians are united with you.”

Carney said he was briefed overnight by the minister of public safety and the national security adviser, who believe there is “no active threat” to Canadians.

He said more than 20 people were injured in the event. Police have reported that nine people were killed.

He said local law enforcement and officials have the full support of the federal government and added that he will speak with B.C. Premier David Eby and Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim in the coming hours.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre wrote on social media last night that he was “shocked by the horrific news emerging from Vancouver's Lapu Lapu Day Festival tonight.”

“My thoughts are with the Filipino community and all the victims targeted by this senseless attack,” wrote Poilievre. “Thank you to the first responders who are at the scene as we wait to hear more.”

The Conservative leader will mourn with congregants and speak with the pastor at a Filipino community church in Mississauga, Ont., today. He will make a statement afterward.

The Vancouver Sun Run, one of the biggest 10-kilometre runs in North America, will go ahead today.

“After consultation with the Vancouver Police Department and city officials, and with their assurance that this was an isolated incident with no ongoing threat to public safety, the Vancouver Sun Run will proceed as scheduled on Sunday morning,” organizers said in a statement.

“In response to Saturday’s events, there will be an increased police presence to help ensure the safety and comfort of all participants, spectators and the community. Before the race begins, we will hold a moment of silence to honour the victims and stand in solidarity with those impacted by these tragic events.”

As news of the deaths spreads around the globe, world leaders are sharing their condolences and reaching out to the Filipino Canadian community.

King Charles said he was “profoundly saddened to learn of the dreadful attack and utterly tragic loss of life in Vancouver.”

“Our hearts and prayers go out to all those whose lives have been shattered by such a desperate tragedy and we send our deepest possible sympathy at a most agonizing time for so many in Canada,” the King wrote.

Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., president of the Philippines, said he was “completely shattered to hear about the terrible incident,” adding that the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver is working with Canadian authorities to make sure the incident is “thoroughly investigated.”

French President Emmanuel Macron said on social media he extends “our solidarity to Canadians and the Filipino community. Our thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones.”

A number of support services are available for victims or for anyone who witnessed or experienced trauma from Saturday’s mass casualty event.

In a statement, Filipino BC encouraged community members to support each other and seek help.

Victim services are available by calling or texting 1-800-563-0808 or by emailing [email protected] for more information. The services are available 24/7.

Saturday was the second day of the Lapu Lapu Day Block Party. It had drawn 100,000 people on that day alone, according to police.

The day itself is named after an Indigenous resistance fighter in the Philippines who fought against Spanish colonization in the 16th century.

The event was the second annual street celebration of the day in Vancouver. The Filipino community is the third-largest cultural group in B.C., representing 3.5 per cent of the province’s total population.

Organizers called the block party an opportunity to mark “the enduring impact on Filipino values, notably the spirit of bayanihan — the collective community effort.”