The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) named the suspected shooter as Jesse Van Rootselaar, an 18 year old resident of the remote community. Police said Van Rootselaar first killed her 39 year old mother and 11 year old stepbrother at their home before proceeding to Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, where she opened fire. Authorities later found Van Rootselaar dead of an apparent self inflicted wound.

Officials revised the death toll to nine people, including the suspect, after initial reports that included a tenth fatality were corrected. Among those killed were several students and at least one teacher. Dozens of others, including children and adults, were wounded in the attack, with some in serious condition.

Deputy RCMP Commissioner Dwayne McDonald said police had previously responded to the family residence on multiple occasions over concerns related to Van Rootselaar’s mental health, but investigators so far have not determined a motive for the shootings. Authorities also reported recovering two firearms at the scene.

The quiet mountain community of around 2,400 residents has been left reeling. British Columbia Premier David Eby described the shootings as an “unimaginable tragedy,” and national leaders, including Prime Minister Mark Carney, have offered condolences and ordered flags to fly at half mast as the nation mourns.

The investigation is ongoing, and police continue to gather evidence while local support services are mobilized to assist families and survivors affected by the violence.

Speaking Monday in response to Prime Minister Mark Carney’s newly announced military budget increase, Poilievre said boosting spending is not enough without addressing what he sees as a deeper cultural decline within the Canadian Forces.

“We need a warrior culture that actually inspires people to join the military again,” Poilievre told reporters. “Right now, we don’t have that.”

Carney’s government recently committed to increasing defence spending, aligning more closely with NATO targets. The move has reignited debate over whether Canada should aim for even higher benchmarks including the 5% of GDP figure floated in NATO circles.

Poilievre appeared skeptical of such figures, questioning their realism: “Who has actually hit 5%? Does anyone hit 5% right now?” he asked, implying that the focus should be on impact and reform, not just metrics.

Canada currently spends approximately 1.4% of its GDP on defense, below NATO’s baseline recommendation of 2%.

The comments come amid broader concerns over military recruitment shortfalls, equipment modernization, and Canada’s global defense commitments. Critics have warned that without cultural and structural reforms, increased spending alone may not solve the Armed Forces’ long-standing challenges.