A tearful MLA Mable Elmore has reflected the grief that is gripping Vancouver. And it comes in the wake of a horrible incident two blocks from her Vancouver-Kenstington constituency office.
“Our community is grieving; I’m heartbroken and our thoughts and our love are with the casualties, their families, those injured, our volunteers,” Elmore said at a news conference.
Her comments came the morning after a driver rammed his black SUV through a crowd on East 43rd Avenue at the Lapu-Lapu Day Block Party. According to Vancouver interim police Chief Steve Rai, 11 people died. Police believe dozens of others are injured, some seriously.
“Our priority now in the Filipino community is providing support to those people—those who lost their lives, were injured, and their families.” Elmore continued. “It was a celebration just steps outside of my office—just an unspeakable tragedy.”
She added that Filipino Canadians “are collectively shattered but we are coming together as a community”.
“We are in incredible pain,” Elmore acknowledged. “The Filipino community will show true resilience and we will come together out of this catastrophe with the support and the love from the broad community—from all of you, in the public across British Columbia and around the world who’ve expressed support.”
Watch MLA Mable Elmore’s comments on Global News BC on April 27.
Filipino BC and the Sunset on Fraser Business Association co-organized the event. It extended from John Oliver Secondary School grounds down through the parking lots west of Fraser Street to East 49th Avenue.
Elmore said that her office will work with partners to deliver assistance to victims and everyone impacted by this horrendous event. Her mother, Maria, immigrated to Canada in 1965 from the province of Cebu in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines.
The Canadian flag will be flown at half-mast at all City buildings until further notice to honour the victims of the horrific incident at the Lapu Lapu Day festival.
The City extends its deepest condolences to the Filipino community and all those impacted by this tragedy. pic.twitter.com/O0ruuQJ0mM
— City of Vancouver (@CityofVancouver) April 27, 2025
The United Way BC’s Kapwa Strong Fund provides immediate assistance, counselling, trauma services, and other critical supports. The United Way BC website allows contributors to designate funds directly to Filipino BC. Donors receive a tax credit.
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