Albertans offer condolences after deadly Vancouver Filipino festival attack
Posted April 27, 2025 12:49 pm.
Last Updated April 28, 2025 9:14 am.
Albertans, including those in the Filipino community, are reeling after at least 11 people were killed Saturday when a car plowed into a crowd at a weekend festival in Vancouver.
Vancouver police say an SUV entered a crowd of hundreds and drove through it, striking dozens. Calling it the “darkest day” in the city’s history, interim Chief Steve Rai confirmed a 30-year-old Vancouver man is in custody. The suspect has “a significant history of interactions with police and health care professionals related to mental health.”
Mel Quezada, an admin for the Calgary Filipino Community Facebook page dedicated to helping Filipino immigrants in Canada, says what should have been a happy event ended in “unnecessary loss and mourning.”
“We shall offer our prayers and condolences to the victims and their families on the tragic event last night in Vancouver,” she said.
“Please be careful and be vigilant in observing our environment when attending gatherings. Sadly, it has become a trend that tragic events could happen at happy events; however, this should not deter us to not go out and celebrate happy occasions. We shall celebrate life the way we know it.
“May the families of the victims find peace and comfort as days pass by.”
READ MORE: ‘Desperate tragedy’: King Charles and other world leaders react to deadly Vancouver attack
Calgary Philippine Consulate General Emma Sarne expressed concern over the incident, saying she stands in solidarity with the Filipino community in Vancouver, B.C., and across Canada.
“We trust that the relevant authorities are addressing the matter, and we remain supportive of efforts to ensure that Filipino cultural events continue to be spaces of pride, dignity, and harmony for all,” she said.
Organizers with Fiesta Filipino through the Philippine Festival Council of Alberta expressed sadness and horror over the tragedy, strongly condemning the violence “in the highest terms.”
“Our hearts go out to the victims, their families, and the entire community affected by this tragedy. We stand in solidarity with our Filipino-Canadian brothers and sisters in Vancouver during this heartbreaking time,” a post on social media reads.
“Fiesta Filipino remains committed to promoting love, culture, and community — values that violence can never erase. We call on all Canadians to come together in support, compassion, and resilience.”
Here’s what leaders and key figures in Alberta had to say:
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith
“Filipino Canadians are kind, hard-working, and cherished members of our communities right across Canada. What happened last night at the Lapu Lapu Festival in Vancouver is truly incomprehensible. Albertans are heartbroken by this devastating loss of life and injuries reported. Vancouver and its Filipino community are firmly in our thoughts and prayers.”
Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek
“The devastating attack on the Filipino community in Vancouver last night is heartbreaking. The Lapu Lapu Day Festival was meant to be a celebration, but ended in horror after a senseless act of violence. My heart is with the Filipino community in Vancouver as well as Calgary.”
Amarjeet Sohi, Edmonton mayor on leave while running in federal election
“I am deeply saddened to hear about the attack that took place at the Lapu Lapu festival in Vancouver last night. My thoughts are will those affected by the events of last night and with Canada’s Filipino community during this difficult time. I have been in contact with the Filipino community here in Edmonton – I offered my support and my commitment to stand with them. We are mourning with you, and we are united with you.”
Edmonton Police Service
“Our thoughts are with the Filipino community following the tragic events at the Lapu Lapu Day celebrations in Vancouver Saturday night. The Edmonton Police Service offers its deepest sympathies to the victims and their families.”
Calgary Police Service
“We extend our heartfelt sympathies to the Filipino community in light of the tragic events at the Lapu Lapu festival in Vancouver last night. Our thoughts go out to the victims, their families, first responders and everyone affected by this incident. We are reaching out to the local Filipino community in Calgary to offer our supports.”
Gil McGowan, president of the Alberta Federation of Labour
“I just woke up to the news of the horrific attack on people attending a Filipino community festival in Vancouver. I’m devastated. My heart goes out to the friends and family of the dead and to the entire Filipino community in Canada.”
Sharif Haji, Alberta NDP MLA for Edmonton-Decore
“My heart breaks for the Filipino-Canadian families who lost loved ones in yesterday’s tragic event in #Vancouver. What should have been a day of joy has turned into a profound grief. Sending strength and solidarity to all affected during this difficult time.”
Terry Wong, Calgary Ward 7 councillor
“Last night I celebrated the birthday of dozens of Filipino seniors in Calgary as a tragedy unfolded in Vancouver as Filipinos celebrate heritage festival Lupa Lupa. My heart goes to the Filipino community in Vancouver, Calgary and around the world. 9 died, dozens injured.”
Edmonton Oilers
“The #Oilers organization & all of Oil Country are saddened by the tragic events that took place last night at the Lapu Lapu Festival in Vancouver. Our hearts go out to everyone in the city & those in the Filipino community who have been impacted by this senseless attack.”
Oilers player Evander Kane, who is from Vancouver
“I am heartbroken by the beyond devastating tragedy that took place at the Lapu Lapu Festival in the Sunset community of Vancouver last evening. Sunset community is where I grew up, the Filipino community are some of the kindest people. My most sincere condolences to the victims and their families. My heart goes out to everyone impacted by this disgusting act, what a tragedy.”
