Nurses’ Hearts are with the Victims of Lapu Lapu Day Incident

BCNU is shocked and saddened by the horrific tragedy that occurred at the Lapu Lapu Day festival in Vancouver on April 26.

As a union proud to represent thousands of Filipino members, we extend our deepest condolences to the victims and the entire community and join it in mourning the loss of those whose lives were taken by this devasting act. Our hearts are now with the many others who were injured as they and their families struggle to recover from this life-altering experience.

Many of the union’s members have been directly affected by this event. BCNU was a Lapu Lapu Day community sponsor, and our volunteers, including Langara College nursing students participating at the BCNU booth, were present at the festival. We wish to recognize the courage of nurses and other first responders who attended the scene and the nurses and health-care workers at the nine Metro Vancouver hospitals who responded to the Code Orange to care for the victims. Their actions stand as a powerful testament to the tremendous courage and compassion nurses bring to their work every day.

After a tragic event like this, it is important for affected members to access any critical incident support or grief counselling provided by their employer and to be aware of the employee assistant program supports offered through Vancouver Coastal Health, Fraser Health and the Provincial Health Services Authority. BCNU’s psychological health and safety resources, including the NBA Supplemental Mental Health Benefit also provides financial support to cover counselling services.