Vancouver Tragedy Darkens Final Hours of Canada’s 2025 Federal Election Campaign

The final day of Canada’s federal election campaign turned somber after a devastating tragedy struck Vancouver Saturday night. A black SUV rammed into crowds at the Lapu Lapu Day Festival, killing 11 people and injuring dozens more, Vancouver police confirmed.

The attack unfolded just after 8 p.m. PT, during a celebration honoring the contributions of the Filipino Canadian community. Authorities arrested Kai-Ji Adam Lo, 30, who now faces eight counts of murder. Police stated Lo had a “significant history” involving law enforcement and mental health professionals.

Political Leaders Pause to Mourn Victims

The grim news prompted political leaders to alter their schedules on what is normally a frantic final push for votes.

Prime Minister Mark Carney canceled his morning events to address the nation. Speaking from Hamilton, he offered condolences to grieving families and thanked first responders.

“Last night, families lost a sister, a brother, a mother, a father, a son, or daughter,” Carney said. “I know that I join all Canadians in mourning with you.”

Carney emphasized there is “no active threat” to Canadians, based on overnight briefings with national security officials. His campaign continued with a scaled-down schedule, canceling large rallies in Calgary and Richmond, B.C., but maintaining smaller events with supporters. He plans to join B.C. Premier David Eby and community leaders in Vancouver Sunday evening.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre opened his day by addressing congregants at a Filipino community church in Mississauga, Ont. Standing hand-in-hand with his wife, Anaida Poilievre, he called the incident a “senseless act of violence” and pledged solidarity with the Filipino community.

Later, Poilievre paused a rally in Oakville for a moment of silence and announced he had spoken with Premier Eby, Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim, and Philippine Consul General Gina Jamoralin.

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, who had attended the festival earlier that evening, left just minutes before the vehicle plowed into the crowd. Singh appeared visibly shaken as he described the joyful atmosphere he had witnessed.

“There were kids there, families, full of joy,” he said from Penticton, B.C. “I don’t have the words to describe the pain I am feeling.”

Singh canceled multiple campaign events Sunday, including a Vaisakhi parade in Oliver, B.C. Instead, he attended a Tagalog-language mass at St. Mary’s Parish in Vancouver. Speaking to media, Singh vowed to honor the victims by refusing to “let hate win.”

“We build a Canada where no one is treated as disposable,” he said.

Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet continued his final campaign events but offered his condolences, stating he shared in the collective pain of the nation.

A Nation Heads to the Polls Under a Cloud of Grief

Millions of Canadians are expected to cast their ballots Monday in the general election. Polls suggest the Liberals hold a slight lead over the Conservatives, but the race has tightened in the final days.

What was meant to be a day of final campaign pushes has instead become a day of national mourning.

More…

• https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/federal-election-vancouver-lapu-lapu-tragedy-1.7519847
• https://www.overheretoronto.com/who-is-kai-ji-adam-lo-vancouver-suspect-behind-lapu-lapu-festival-tragedy
• https://www.overheretoronto.com/vancouver-man-charged-with-8-counts-of-murder-in-lapu-lapu-day-festival-crash