British Columbia Premier’s statement on online activity and Tumbler Ridge tragedy

Premier David Eby has released the following statement in response to media reports regarding OpenAI and the shooting in Tumbler Ridge: “Reports that allege OpenAI had related intelligence before the shootings in Tumbler Ridge took place are profoundly disturbing for the victims’ families and all British Columbians. “The pain that these families have gone through is unimaginable. “We have confirmed with police that they are pursuing orders regarding the preservation of any potential evidence related to the shootings in Tumbler Ridge held by digital services companies, including social media platforms and AI companies. “I urge anyone with any information regarding this incident to immediately contact police and provide their full co-operation. “We will use all powers of government to ensure that police have the tools they need to investigate every aspect of this horrific tragedy.” Premier David Eby has issued the following statement marking Pink Shirt Day: “Today, as British Columbians wear pink to stand up against bullying, we do so during a time of deep sorrow. Our thoughts remain with the students, educators and families in Tumbler Ridge, who are marking this day under the weight of profound loss. In moments like this, the importance of safe, caring and connected school communities has never felt more urgent. “Pink Shirt Day started in response to a student experiencing homophobic and transphobic bullying. Since then, it has become a wider movement about making our schools and our society places where everyone feels safe, supported and celebrated for who they are. “As a parent of school-age kids, Pink Shirt Day hits close to home. Like so many families, we talk around the kitchen table about what it means to be kind, to stand up for others and to ask for help when something doesn’t feel right. “While we have made progress, bullying remains a serious and evolving challenge, particularly in the digital world. Online harassment and exploitation can follow young people everywhere, and we have seen some heartbreaking consequences here in B.C. “That is why our government is focused on keeping kids safe. We are taking action to address online harms, improve school safety, strengthen mental-health supports and ensure our education system is inclusive and welcoming for students. “Pink Shirt Day is a reminder that preventing bullying isn’t just about one day – it’s about the choices we make every day. Choosing to listen. Choosing to speak up. Choosing kindness, especially when it matters most. “Today, my family and I will wear pink and keep those conversations going around the kitchen table. I encourage everyone in British Columbia to do the same. When we stand together, we send a powerful message to every child: You are valued, you are supported and you belong.” Lisa Beare, Minister of Education and Child Care, said: “Pink Shirt Day reminds us to come together – to stand up against bullying – and to support school communities where every student feels safe, respected and included. Today, throughout British Columbia, people are choosing to show kindness in their words and actions. “This day comes during a period of deep sadness for many. Our thoughts are with the people of Tumbler Ridge, who are observing this day while continuing to process an unimaginable loss. We hold them in our hearts and stand with them in their grief. “As parents and caregivers, we all want our children to feel safe being themselves, to feel included and to know they belong. When schools are welcoming and supportive, students are better able to learn, build confidence and form positive relationships that carry with them throughout their lives. “This day also reminds us that preventing bullying is an ongoing responsibility we all share. By listening to student voices, supporting one another and taking action every day, we can continue building communities where everyone feels welcome and valued.” As the Province looks to reduce its reliance on the United States for trade, legislation before the house, if passed, will provide the Province with the tools needed to directly invest in high-impact private-sector projects through a $400-million B.C. Strategic Investment Fund. “As the federal government looks for projects to boost forestry, defence and shipbuilding, our goal is to make British Columbia businesses are at the front of the line,” said Premier David Eby. “By incentivizing large private-sector projects and participating in the upside, we can make sure people in our province are benefiting through high paying jobs and revenue for stronger services.” Currently, government’s ability to support private-sector companies is limited to providing grants, with little to no direct revenue upside for the Province. Other jurisdictions, including Ontario, Quebec, the governments of Canada and the U.S., have more funding flexibility, such as:taking equity in companiesissuing ...