OTTAWA — Parliamentarians from all parties are coming together today to mark Canada’s first National Kindness Week — but the message is taking on a different meaning after the mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, B.C.
National Kindness Week, which runs from Feb. 15 to 21, honours a movement started by the late Ottawa Rabbi Reuven Bulka, who encouraged small acts of kindness that can have lasting impacts.
Ontario Conservative MP Michael Barrett says it’s difficult to deliver an uplifting message after the tragedy in B.C., but people should be thinking of doing small acts of kindness every day, especially today.
Interim NDP leader Don Davies says there’s a “cruel irony” and “profound symmetry” to marking the first Kindness Week just hours after a mass shooting, but the week’s message is a reminder of the importance of empathy.
MPs who spoke at the event offered condolences to B.C. Conservative Bob Zimmer and the constituents of his riding, which includes Tumbler Ridge.
The bill to establish National Kindness Week became law on June 3, 2021, just weeks before Bulka’s death.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 11, 2026.
David Baxter, The Canadian Press
