A Message from Unifor Local 2000 about the Lapu Lapu Day tragedy

by | Apr 29, 2025 | Local 2000 News
In the wake of the terrible tragedy that happened at the Lapu Lapu Day Festival on Saturday April 26, we want to extend our hearts and hands in solidarity with our Filipino Canadian Members and the Community as a whole.

In a time like this, we come together and support each other, we mourn the lives lost, and we consider the lives forever changed by this senseless act.

May comfort and peace be found in your family, friends, colleagues and neighbours.

In our thoughts,

Brian Gibson, Bill Catterall, Stephanie Ip, Pat Bulmer and the entire Local 2000 Executive Board and staff.
If you, your loved ones, or anyone you know is affected by this horrific event, please seek help from the following resources:

  • A 24-hour assistance centre has been established at the Douglas Park Community Centre, 801 West 22nd Avenue. Vancouver Police officers and Victim Services professionals have been deployed to help anyone who has not been able to contact a loved who was at the Lapu Lapu Day event. If you are not able to attend in person, phone 604-717-3321.
  • 310 Mental Health Line – Provides a toll-free number connecting callers to a BC crisis line. Offers emotional support, information on appropriate referral options, and a wide range of support relating to mental health concerns. Phone: 310-678
  • VictimLinkBC – VictimLinkBC is a toll-free, confidential, multilingual service available across B.C. and the Yukon 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and can be accessed by calling or texting 1-800-563-0808 or sending an email to [email protected]. It provides information and referral services to all victims of crime and immediate crisis support to victims.
  • Online chat service for youth (Noon to 1am)
  • Online chat service for adults  (Noon to 1am)
  • Lumara Grief and Bereavement Care Society – https://lumarasociety.org/
  • Your Employer’s EFAP, or Employee Family Assistance Program
From Unifor:

Unifor extends its deepest condolences to the families and friends of those killed, and expresses concern for those injured, in the vehicle ramming at the Lapu-Lapu Day festival hosted by the Filipino community in Vancouver.

Our union is deeply saddened to mourn the tragic loss of a beloved member of Unifor Local 114, whose life was taken in this devastating incident. Their passing leaves a profound void in the hearts of their family, friends, and union sisters and brothers. We know that many in the broad Unifor family continue to be directly or indirectly affected by this tragedy. We stand together in grief and solidarity during this incredibly difficult time.

As a sponsor of the event, Unifor joins with the Filipino community and all Canadians in condemning this shocking and tragic act that has taken the lives of at least eleven people and injured many more.

Lapu-Lapu Day, celebrated annually on April 27, honours the memory of Lapu-Lapu, an inspirational Indigenous national hero who stood against Spanish colonization. This day is a powerful reminder of resilience, courage, and the enduring spirit of independence.

Unifor recognizes and deeply values the countless contributions of the Filipino-Canadian community, both within our union and across the fabric of Canadian society.

We are heartbroken that this vibrant celebration of culture and heritage was marred by such senseless violence.

Our union stands firmly alongside the community during this time of mourning and remains committed to offering support and assistance in any way possible.

Resources

For members or their family members who might need assistance, consider the following resources:

  • Your local union’s Employee and Family Assistance Program
  • A 24-hour assistance centre that has been established at Douglas Park Community Centre (801 West 22nd). Vancouver Policy officers are Victim Professional services have been deployed to help anyone who has not been able to contact a loved one who was at the Lapu Lapu Day event. If you are not able to attend in person, phone 604-717-3321.
  • 310 Mental Health Line – Provides a toll-free number connecting callers to a BC crisis line. Offers emotional support, information on appropriate referral options, and a wide range of support relating to mental health concerns. Phone: 310-6789
  • VictimLinkBC – VictimLinkBC is a toll-free, confidential, multilingual service available across B.C. and the Yukon 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and can be accessed by calling or texting 1-800-563-0808 or sending an email to [email protected]. It provides information and referral services to all victims of crime and immediate crisis support to victims of family and sexual violence, including victims of human trafficking exploited for labour or sexual services.
  • BC211.ca – Dial or text 2-1-1 to be connected with a Resource Navigator who will provide information and referral to available social, government, and community supports and services.

If you require any additional support or are not sure where to turn, reach out to your job steward or union representative.

In solidarity,

Lana Payne

National President