Alberta legislature stands with Filipino Canadians in tragedy’s aftermath

Both sides of the Alberta legislature rose to support Canada’s Filipino community Monday, as the nation struggled to process a tragedy that marred a Vancouver cultural festival.

Standing ovations followed UCP and NDP words of comfort, grief and condemnation, after a motor vehicle plowed into a Lapu-Lapu Day festival Saturday and killed 11 people. At least 17 others were injured, some of them seriously or critically.

• Download our app to get Edmonton alerts on your device

“What should have been a joyful celebration of Filipino culture and heritage ended in the unthinkable act of violence that has left families shattered, communities grieving and our nation in mourning,” said Jacqueline Lovely, the UCP member for Camrose.

Added Lizette Tejada, the NDP member for Calgary-Klein: “We all grieve with Filipino Canadians as they navigate the unimaginable loss of beloved community members and contend with the injuries and trauma resulting from this violent attack.”

Police have so far charged a 30-year-old man with eight counts of second-degree murder, after a black SUV tore into the street festival. More charges against the man are likely.

• ‘It scares the festival world’: Vancouver van attack puts the spotlight on safety measures

Lapu-Lapu Day honours Datu Lapu-Lapu, the Filipino chieftain who became a national hero for defeating Spanish forces led by Ferdinand Magellan in the Battle of Mactan in 1521.

About a million people or 2.5 per cent of Canada’s population were of Filipino descent in 2021, according to Census Canada, making them the third largest Asian ethnic grouping in the country. About 3.5 per cent B.C.’s population and more than five per cent of Alberta’s were part of the community.

Lovely praised Filipino Canadians for “kindness, resilience and remarkable contributions to our society.”

Filipino Canadians “are our neighbours, our colleagues and our friends. In every corner of our province Filipino Canadians have helped build stronger, more vibrant communities through their hard work, generosity and spirit of service.”

Tejada said: “The love, strength, faith and unity of the Filipino community is well known, but know that you’re not alone in this journey. I think I can speak for every member in this chamber when I say that our hearts are with you in these difficult moments and as you move through grief.

“I wish you solace, comfort and healing.”

By George Lee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Macleod Gazette