B.C. declares day of remembrance for Vancouver attack victims

Premier David Eby declared an official day of mourning in B.C. following the Lapu Lapu Day tragedy, in which 11 people were killed in a vehicle-ramming attack at a Filipino street festival in Vancouver.

The province says Friday, May 2, 2025, will be an official day of remembrance and mourning for the victims six days after the tragedy.

“This will be a day for all British Colombians to reflect on the loss of life of innocent people; the injury to people who were only seeking to celebrate; both physical and psychic scars that are going to last for a lifetime,” Eby told media Wednesday.

“And it is a chance for all of us to stand together with the Filipino community, not just here in British Columbia, but around the world. It’s hurting right now because of the actions of this man.”

Eby says his government will start a review of the province’s Mental Health Act.

He says the Ministry of Health, along with key officials like Chief Psychiatric Officer Dr. Daniel Vigo, will take on the review and will reform and modernize the act as needed.

“This is something that we have held off on doing. Because our Mental Health Act is currently being challenged by a group of advocates, in particular the provisions of the Mental Health Act that allow doctors to compel an individual who is mentally ill to undergo treatment. We believe those provisions are critically important,” said Eby.

The premier says the attack has raised major concerns about the supports available to people with mental health concerns.

He says a woman, recounting her experience in compelled care, recently thanked him for his work on the act.

“‘I was very sick, and I was unable to ask for help, and my family got me into the hospital, and they got me into the care I need,’” said Eby, quoting the woman.

“But she raised an important point, which is that if she didn’t have that family support, she might not have gotten into the hospital — she might not have gotten that care. So we’ll review the act to make sure it’s responsive.”

Police say the suspect in the attack, 30-year-old Kai Ji Adam Lo, had dozens of police interactions in the past — all mental health related.

Lo had been on extended leave from hospital for mental health treatment when the incident happened.

Cautioning the public, Eby says the investigation into the attack still has a long way to go.

“We don’t yet know what happened. What we have from Coastal Health is they say this individual was under treatment. He was being followed by a care team. He was compliant with his medication. There was no indication of violence. That’ll be tested in the criminal trial and ultimately, perhaps, in a public inquiry.”