Standing With Tumbler Ridge: Recent Updates from Peace River South
Recent weeks have brought both difficult moments and powerful examples of community strength across Peace River South. Here is an update on recent work in the Legislature and across the riding.
Since my last update on February 18, our region has continued to face an incredibly difficult period. The tragedy in Tumbler Ridge has deeply affected families, students, first responders, and communities across Peace River South.
In times like this, the role of an MLA is not only to represent our communities in Victoria, but also to stand alongside people at home listening, advocating, and making sure the voices of the North are heard.
Below is a brief update on some of the work that has taken place in the Legislature and across the region in recent weeks.
Calling for a Full Public Inquiry into the Tumbler Ridge Tragedy
One of my primary focuses has been ensuring that the families and community affected by the tragedy in Tumbler Ridge receive answers.
In the Legislature, I called on the provincial government to launch a full public inquiry using all powers available under the Public Inquiry Act. A public inquiry is an important tool to establish facts, identify failures, and ensure that meaningful recommendations are made to prevent a tragedy like this from happening again.
The people of Tumbler Ridge, and communities across the Peace, deserve transparency and accountability.
During Question Period, the Solicitor General confirmed that an inquiry will move forward, though a timeline has not yet been provided. I will continue pressing for clarity so families and the community know when this process will begin.
Speaking in the Legislature About the Impact on Our Community
I also rose in the Legislature to speak about the grief, shock, and resilience that the community of Tumbler Ridge has shown in the wake of this tragedy.
These moments in the House are important opportunities to ensure that the experiences of our communities are recognized at the provincial level.
Tumbler Ridge is a strong community. While the pain is still very real, the compassion and support people have shown one another has also been remarkable.
“Northern communities are built on resilience, compassion, and people stepping up when their neighbours need help.”
Local Businesses and Neighbours Stepping Up
One of the most powerful things we have seen in recent weeks is the way the Tumbler Ridge community has stepped up to support one another.
Local businesses have quietly stepped in to help feed families, first responders, and those directly affected. Places like Twisted Seasons Bistro, Northern Horizon Catering, and Joe’s Pizza have shown incredible generosity by providing meals and support during an incredibly difficult time.
Just a few of Many!
These are not large corporate gestures. They are neighbours helping neighbours.
It is a reminder that in Northern communities, when something difficult happens, people come together.
Dawson Creek Recognized for Hosting the 2025 Para Cup
In the midst of difficult moments, it is also important to recognize the successes happening across our region.
The City of Dawson Creek was recently honoured at the Sport Tourism Canada PRESTIGE Awards, receiving International Sport Event of the Year (Group B) for hosting the 2025 Para Cup at the Ovintiv Events Centre.
This event brought together elite para hockey teams from around the world and showcased what Northern communities are capable of when local volunteers, organizations, and leaders come together.
Congratulations to the City of Dawson Creek, the volunteers, the Ovintiv Events Centre team, and everyone who helped make the event such a success. Hosting international events like this puts our region on the map and shows the strength of our communities.
Recognizing the Work of Network Ministries
I also recently had the opportunity in the Legislature to recognize the important work being done by Network Ministries in Dawson Creek.
For many years, Network Ministries has quietly supported individuals and families in the community through outreach, mentorship, and practical assistance. Their work focuses on meeting people where they are and helping them build stronger, healthier lives.
Organizations like this often operate behind the scenes, but their impact on communities across the Peace region is significant.
It was an honour to acknowledge their work in the Legislature and to thank the staff and volunteers who dedicate their time and energy to supporting others.
Continuing to Advocate for the Peace Region
While much attention has rightly been focused on Tumbler Ridge, my work as MLA continues across the entire Peace River South riding.
This includes ongoing discussions in Victoria around:
• Support for northern communities and families
• The economic challenges facing resource industries
• Policies that support jobs and economic stability in the North
The Peace region has always been built on resilience and strong communities. That spirit is something I see every day when I speak with residents, local leaders, and families across the riding.
Looking Ahead
The weeks ahead will continue to focus on supporting the people of Tumbler Ridge while ensuring that the necessary steps are taken to fully understand what happened.
A public inquiry is an important part of that process.
Families deserve answers.
Communities deserve transparency.
And we must ensure every lesson possible is learned.
I will continue advocating for the people of Peace River South both in Victoria and at home.
If you need assistance or would like to share your thoughts, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office.
Larry Neufeld
MLA for Peace River South