Members of Parliament representing all of Canada's political parties gathered on Parliament Hill today for a news conference launching National Kindness Week.
Members of Parliament hold news conference to celebrate National Kindness Week in Canada
Members of Parliament from all of Canada’s political parties came together in Ottawa to mark the official launch of National Kindness Week (February 15–21) and to respond to the recent tragic shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia. The event highlighted the role of kindness, community support, and unity in times of crisis.
A key focus of the conference addressed the tragic mass shooting that occurred the day before in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, a small town of about 2,400 people. At least nine people were killed and around 25–27 others injured, several seriously, with some airlifted to hospitals. The suspect was found dead at the scene from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot. Police confirmed there was no ongoing threat. Officials described the incident as one of Canada’s deadliest mass shootings in recent history, calling it an “unimaginable tragedy.”
Giovanna Mingarelli on Community Initiatives and the Spirit of Kindness
Prescott—Russell—Cumberland MP Giovanna Mingarelli opened the news conference by acknowledging the traditional territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabe people and offering her deepest condolences to those affected by the “horrific shootings” in Tumbler Ridge. She emphasized that National Kindness Week transcends politics and ideology, centering instead on the intentional practice of patience, compassion, and respect. Mingarelli highlighted that the legislation itself was the result of a multi-partisan effort, demonstrating that kindness is a value shared across all political lines.
To illustrate the spirit of the week, Mingarelli shared plans for local community initiatives. These include “seniors’ home blitzes” in her riding, visiting every seniors’ residence in the municipality of Clarence-Rockland, and organizing an intergenerational kindness afternoon in Casselman, where kindergarten students will meet local seniors. She emphasized that simple acts—like checking in on a neighbor—can help bring communities together, especially at a time when many feel divided.
While focusing on these community actions, the event also honored past leaders who embodied these values. Elizabeth May specifically mentioned the late MP Kirsty Duncan as a “dear colleague” and one of the “exemplars of kindness” whom the House misses dearly. May described Duncan as the “epitome of kindness,” linking her legacy to the broader mission of National Kindness Week: to build a Canada that is both strong and kind.
Michael Barrett on National Kindness Week and Cross-Party Unity
Michael Barrett, MP for Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes, served as the House sponsor for the National Kindness Week legislation in 2021. He described his involvement as “serendipitous,” noting that the opportunity to champion the bill came at a time of significant national division. Barrett emphasized that the legislation passed with unanimous consent from all parties, reflecting the shared recognition that kindness is a value everyone can agree on.
Barrett credited the late Rabbi Reuven Bulka, known as “Canada’s rabbi,” as his primary inspiration. Bulka had established a kindness week in Ottawa in 2011, and Barrett described the effort as “laudable” and deserving of a national platform. Because the Rabbi was unwell when the bill reached the House, Barrett worked quickly with colleagues from multiple parties to ensure it passed expeditiously through all stages.
During the news conference, Barrett highlighted the display of multi-partisan unity as a reminder that “there is more that we have in common than divides us.” He emphasized that acts of kindness “don’t have to cost a dime,” pointing to simple, intentional gestures like visiting seniors, checking on a coworker, or greeting a neighbor. Even while expressing condolences for the “horrific” tragedy in Tumbler Ridge, Barrett stressed that practicing kindness remains essential for the well-being of all Canadians.
Don Davies on Kindness and Response to Tragedy
Don Davies, MP for Vancouver Kingsway, opened his remarks by offering his deepest condolences to the victims and families affected by the “horrific attack” in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia. He noted the “cruel irony” of officially launching National Kindness Week so soon after such a tragedy, but suggested a “profound symmetry” in politicians from all parties gathering in a spirit of humanity and gentleness during a dark moment.
Davies emphasized that kindness acts as a powerful counter-narrative to the division, conflict, and hatred that increasingly mark public life. He stressed that empathy and solidarity are not abstract ideals but are expressed in daily actions, like showing patience or checking in on a struggling neighbor. While a single act of kindness might not transform the world, he reminded listeners that it can mean everything to the person receiving it.
Reflecting on the political environment, Davies noted the proximity of the news conference to the House of Commons, a place where kindness and empathy are rarely the “currency of debate.” He challenged himself and his colleagues to lead by example, asserting that the national discourse is a crucial place to model these values.
Later in the briefing, Davies provided updates on the Tumbler Ridge tragedy, noting reports of 10 people killed and 25 injured, with the alleged shooter believed to have taken their own life. He expressed profound gratitude to the first responders—including the RCMP, paramedics, and healthcare workers—who managed the “dangerous and obviously very traumatic situation.”
Elizabeth May on Kindness and Cross-Party Collaboration
Green Party leader Elizabeth May (Saanich—Gulf Islands) acknowledged that the public often sees the “worst” of Members of Parliament during Question Period, which she described bluntly: “You see the worst of us because question period is what media cover and that’s a display of pure stupidity every single day and meanness.” She contrasted this with the collaborative environment of the National Kindness Week news conference, which she said represents the “real us,” showing that MPs genuinely care about one another.
May highlighted the importance of cross-party friendships, noting her close relationships with Michael Barrett and Don Davies. She described Davies as a “dear friend and inspiration” and emphasized that these connections are genuine, grounded in shared community and personal bonds, rather than political appearances.
She expressed deep support for Bob Zimmer, the MP representing Tumbler Ridge, stating, “I love Bob Zimmer and, God, what he’s going through… I can’t begin to express how stricken we all are by this.” Her words underscored the compassion and solidarity felt across Parliament in response to the recent tragedy.
May also spoke fondly of former colleague Kirsty Duncan, highlighting her legacy as an exemplar of kindness. She noted that Duncan’s absence is deeply felt in the House, and her dedication to empathy and public service remains a model for all MPs.
Finally, May issued an internal call to leadership, urging her fellow MPs to bring the message back to their caucuses: “Let’s just stop being mean. Let’s change the brand to build Canada strong and kind, because that’s who we really are.” She framed this as a challenge to elevate the tone of political discourse and prioritize kindness and respect in Parliament.
She concluded by noting that while media coverage often emphasizes partisan conflict, the reality is that MPs are “citizens of this country, neighbors and friends” who care deeply about their communities and one another.
The session underscored that acts of kindness, empathy, and solidarity are more important than ever, inspiring Canadians to come together in support of their communities during National Kindness Week.
National Kindness Week in Canada runs from February 15-21.
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