This combination of four photos shows, from left to right, Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet in Victoriaville, Que., on Friday, April 25, 2025; Liberal Leader Mark Carney in Coquitlam, B.C., on Thursday, April 24, 2025; NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh in Windsor, Ont., on Saturday, April 26, 2025; and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre in Halifax, on Thursday, April 24, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jacques Boissinot, Sean Kilpatrick, Darryl Dyck, Darren Calabrese
The leaders of Canada’s major federal parties set aside their election campaigns on Sunday to share their grief over the tragic vehicle attack in Vancouver. The devastating incident claimed 11 lives and left many others injured, shaking communities across the country.
Prime Minister Mark Carney, leader of the Liberal Party, offered heartfelt condolences during a stop in Hamilton. “Last night, families lost loved ones — a mother, a father, a son, or a daughter. It’s every family’s worst nightmare," he said. Carney assured Canadians that he, like everyone, mourns alongside those who are hurting.
Carney revealed he had been briefed by Public Safety Minister David McGuinty and his national security adviser. He later posted online that he spoke with British Columbia Premier David Eby to extend his condolences personally. He added that local and provincial officials have the federal government's full support as investigations unfold.
Meanwhile, Vancouver Police Interim Chief Steve Rai confirmed a 30-year-old man had been arrested. According to Rai, the man drove an SUV through a crowded street in South Vancouver at high speed on Saturday evening, causing devastating loss and destruction. Sadly, authorities warned the death toll might still rise.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre also shifted focus during his campaign stops across Ontario. Speaking at a church service with members of the Filipino community in Mississauga, Poilievre said, “Our hearts are with you. Today, all Canadians stand united in your grief.” Later, while addressing a crowd in Oakville, he kept his remarks brief, touching lightly on his usual campaign themes but mainly offering sympathy to victims' families.
The Conservative Party had shared a video about violent crime on Instagram referencing the Vancouver attack, but the caption was later edited. The party did not respond to questions about the change.
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, who had attended the Vancouver festival just before the attack, became emotional when speaking about the tragedy. “I remember the smiling faces of the kids, the aunties dancing. It’s heartbreaking,” Singh said, visibly shaken.
Singh expressed deep solidarity with the Filipino community, promising support during this painful time. His scheduled campaign events in Vancouver, New Westminster, Coquitlam, and at the Vaisakhi parade in Oliver were all cancelled.
While speaking in Penticton, Singh tearfully vowed not to let hate win. "We honour the victims by building a Canada where everyone matters," he said. Later, Singh attended a Tagalog service at St. Mary’s Parish alongside NDP candidate Don Davies, whose riding was directly impacted by the attack.
Davies reflected on the community’s resilience, saying he spent hours with families on Saturday and returned for Sunday’s service to stand by the grieving community.
As the final day of campaigning ended, Singh joined hundreds at a vigil held at a Vancouver community centre. B.C. Premier David Eby and other political figures attended as well. Singh noted that many community members spoke about the urgent need for mental health support in the aftermath.
With Canadians heading to the polls on Monday, the Liberals maintain a slim lead, but the race remains tight between them and the Conservatives.
