Two people killed at Tsawwassen Mills were First Nations elders, Carney says

Delta police said two people died after a vehicle struck four pedestrians outside Tsawwassen Mills Mall in Delta, B.C., at about 10:25 a.m. Wednesday. Preliminary information indicated the driver may have experienced a medical emergency. Others were treated at the scene. Police said two people were taken to hospital, as was the driver, who was treated at the scene before being transported. At about 5:40 p.m., police confirmed the two people killed were elders with the Tsawwassen First Nation.

Prime Minister Mark Carney later wrote on social media that the victims were First Nations elders. He said the loss of two beloved elders in a terrifying accident on an already difficult day was devastating, and offered his thoughts to their loved ones, those injured and the community. Police said the collision was not connected to the Truth and Reconciliation Walk taking place on Tsawwassen First Nation lands at the time. The incident forced the event’s cancellation and prompted an alert asking people to avoid the area. Police said there was no ongoing risk to public safety. The mall remained open, but people were asked to stay away from the scene and follow local authorities’ directions.

In a statement, the Tsawwassen First Nation said it was deeply saddened that an incident had occurred during the day’s Truth and Reconciliation Walk. Out of respect for families and ongoing response efforts, it would not provide further details at that time and would share more when appropriate. The truck involved had the name Alpine on its side. Alpine Building Maintenance said it was aware of the Sept. 30 incident at Tsawwassen Mills Mall and was cooperating with the appropriate authorities. The company said it could not provide further details while the investigation continued and that its thoughts were with everyone affected.

The collision happened as politicians campaigning in British Columbia marked the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, committing to work with Indigenous Peoples by acknowledging the past and taking steps for the future. NDP Leader David Eby was at Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation for an event marking the day. He told the audience the collision was “very difficult news” on an “already challenging day.”

B.C. Conservative interim leader Lorne Doerkson said reconciliation means learning from the past and taking constructive steps for the future. He said he was committed to doing his part, including on economic reconciliation, and encouraged people to attend community events. The party said it would remove uncertainty and ambiguity around the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, commonly known as DRIPA, by fully implementing it through legislation. The Greens, led by Emily Lowan, also promised legislation to guarantee Indigenous language rights and a task force to investigate cases of missing and murdered Indigenous women, children and Two-Spirit people. The party’s statement called on Eby to issue a formal apology over his government’s handling of DRIPA.