Solidarity with the Filipino Canadian Community!
During this time of deep sorrow following the tragic events at the Lapu Lapu Day festival in Vancouver on April 26, 2025, we would like to express our heartfelt solidarity with the Filipino Canadian community, as well as with everyone affected directly or indirectly by this tragedy.
Thousands of Filipino Canadians were peacefully celebrating Lapu-Lapu Day in Vancouver, marking a defining moment in Philippine history, when tragedy struck - a vehicle drove into the crowd, killing multiple people and injuring others. The festival honours Datu Lapu-Lapu, the Filipino chieftain who defeated Spanish forces in the Battle of Mactan in 1521 and became a national hero.
We recognize that this event has deeply impacted not only our Filipino colleagues but also our entire multicultural community. Please know that we are here for you — to listen, support, and stand alongside you during this difficult time. We call upon the authorities to support the grieving families and increase security at all multicultural celebrations and events, to ensure such tragedies are prevented.
We invite anyone who feels the need to talk, to share, or simply to be surrounded by community to reach out to us. Additionally, we encourage colleagues in the Federal Public Service to contact the Employee Assistance Program for professional and confidential support services.
Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and the entire Filipino community. Together, through compassion and solidarity, we will find the strength to move forward.
One for all; all for one!
Stay safe, stay well!
Respectfully,
Waheed Khan
President, National Consultation Team