The MLA for Peace River South is calling on the B.C. government to launch a full public inquiry, with all powers available under British Columbia’s Public Inquiry Act, into the tragedy in Tumbler Ridge.
Larry Neufeld says British Columbians deserve clear answers about the warning signs that were missed, the systems that failed to connect, and whether government agencies, institutions, and private sector platforms had information that should have triggered earlier intervention.
“Families are grieving and an entire community is hurting. People in Tumbler Ridge and across the Peace are trying to make even the smallest sense of something that feels impossible,” said Neufeld. “They keep coming back to the same question: how did this happen when there were warning signs? They deserve honest answers. A public inquiry is how we get the full truth, with witnesses compelled, documents produced, and evidence tested in public.”
Under B.C.’s Public Inquiry Act, a commission can summon witnesses, compel the production of information and documents, take evidence under oath, and apply to court to enforce compliance or obtain warrants where needed.
Neufeld said the inquiry must examine system performance across government and the private sector, including but not limited to:
- Prior points of contact and information sharing between agencies and institutions
- Gaps in threat assessment, follow up, and escalation protocols
- Whether existing mental health and public safety tools were used appropriately
- The role and responsibilities of online platforms, including AI services, when accounts are flagged or concerning activity is detected
- Whether provincial policies and resourcing decisions left communities without the support they needed
“Tumbler Ridge deserves answers.” said Neufeld. “A public inquiry can establish facts, identify failures, and deliver recommendations that actually affect change.”
Neufeld called on the government to immediately announce an inquiry with clear terms of reference, an independent commissioner, and a requirement to report publicly with actionable recommendations.