British Columbia’s chief coroner says he will direct an inquest into last month’s deadly mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge.
Dr. Jatinder Baidwan made the announcement in Victoria Tuesday morning.
Baidwan says he recognizes the profound loss that Tumbler Ridge is experiencing after “what is now one of the deadliest mass shootings in Canadian history.”
Careful reflection on the events of the shooting and the widespread discussion about mental health and public safety that it prompted, he says, encouraged his decision.
“That reflection is underscored for me the unique role that the Coroners Service plays in examining deaths openly, thoroughly and in a way that maintains public confidence,” said Baidwan.
The chief coroner says the inquest will provide an “open, independent forum to examine the circumstances surrounding the nine deaths, identify any systemic or procedural issues, and make evidence-based recommendations aimed at preventing similar loss of life in the future.”
Jesse Van Rootselaar shot her mother and 11-year-old half-brother dead at their home, before killing five pupils, a teacher’s aide and then herself, at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School on Feb. 10.
Van Rootselaar’s ChatGPT account was flagged internally for worrisome content and it was shut down by OpenAI last June, but the company did not notify police at the time.
Baidwan says a key area of examination for the inquest will be how individuals, especially in rural areas, in crisis are identified and supported.
“This will include consideration of how mental health services and public safety systems work together to support people experiencing complex mental health crises, including broader issues of community awareness, education and support, and matters relating to gender diversity, where relevant to the evidence.”
The inquest will also review emergency response coordination, and “other systemic factors” that might emerge from the evidence, including “how mental health and public safety systems intersect with firearms oversight and how information is shared between online platforms, emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and law enforcement.”
Baidwan says an announcement with more details of the timing and location of the inquest will be provided after police finish investigating, and the Coroners Service concludes its own “investigative phase.”
B.C. Premier David Eby has said that his government will use “any tools available” to make sure all questions about the mass shooting are answered.
Federal Conservative MPs have been among those calling for an independent investigation.
Bob Zimmer, whose riding includes Tumbler Ridge in northeastern B.C., said over the weekend that mourning families need answers about the shooter’s mental health and access to guns, as well as the role of artificial intelligence and the protection of the victims’ families.
When asked Tuesday, Baidwan said only the premier’s office can answer questions about a public inquiry separate from the BC Coroners Service.
—With files from The Canadian Press