Calgary Daily Digest — Feb 12, 2026

Heartbreaking loss in Tumbler Ridge — Sarah Lampert, mother of 12-year-old Ticaria “Tiki,” says her single-parent family is “shattered” after the Feb. 10 school shooting that left eight people dead and dozens injured; a community vigil is set for Feb. 13 and a GoFundMe is helping with funeral costs. This means everyday routines — like counting heads before a van ride — have become painful reminders for a mom of eight who says her home will never be the same.

A father speaks amid sorrow — Justin VanRootselaar, identified as the biological father of 18-year-old shooter Jesse VanRootselaar, issued a statement saying he was estranged and “carries a sorrow,” while RCMP confirm prior police visits, firearms seizures and that the shooter’s gun licence expired in 2024. The files show mental‑health concerns, seized then returned firearms, and raise questions about Canada’s 2023 Red Flag law and who may apply for orders.

Survivors recall a terrifying lockdown — Students at Tumbler Ridge Secondary describe alarms and two hours 40 minutes of hiding on Feb. 10 as teachers barricaded doors; witnesses say five students, one educator and others were killed and the shooter was found dead. Young people and leaders say the close-knit town will need long-term support — the mayor asked for at least six months of help.

Calgary firms pivot overseas after U.S. tariffs — Calgary Economic Development says under 25% of 2025 trade deals were with the U.S. (down from 35% in 2024), while CED-backed companies made 45 deals across 21 countries, generating $60 million — a 500% revenue increase year-over-year. The shift into Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Oceania is aimed at protecting jobs (187 new jobs from expansions in 2025) and diversifying markets.

False gun reports spike in Alberta schools — After the Tumbler Ridge tragedy, RCMP saw multiple false firearm reports in three Alberta communities and one incident with an imitation gun; incidents led to lockdowns, arrests and charges including uttering threats and conveying false messaging. Officials urge people to report suspicious behaviour while school leaders audit security and flags have been lowered in respect.

Who were the victims in Tumbler Ridge — Reporting names six school victims (including 12‑year‑olds Kylie, Ticaria, Zoey, Abel Mwansa Jr., 13‑year‑old Ezekiel Schofield) plus 39‑year‑old educator Shannda Aviugana‑Durand and two family members of the shooter; the shooter was identified as 18‑year‑old Jesse VanRootselaar. A vigil on Feb. 13 is planned and communities have set up GoFundMe pages to help families with immediate needs and memorials.

Alberta invests $143M for K–6 classroom support — The province is funding 476 new “complexity teams” (each with one teacher and two educational assistants) with $143 million to help higher‑need classrooms after surveying 89,000 classrooms in 1,549 schools. Calgary schools will get 118 teams and Edmonton 101, aiming to help English learners, students with mild or severe needs, behavioural supports and early intervention.

A Grade 12 student says school feels impossible to return to — Darian Quist, who was in mechanics class during the Feb. 10 lockdown, says he doesn’t know how many students will come back after five students and a teacher were killed, plus two other people seriously injured. He and his family found comfort at a community vigil, but he expects the town to struggle for months as officials and leaders visit.

B.C. leaders visit and the town mourns — Premier David Eby and federal officials attended a vigil in Tumbler Ridge, calling the town “incredibly strong” but in shock after eight people died at the school and two more died elsewhere; RCMP say the shooter acted alone. Local leaders thanked provincial and federal “boots on the ground” for mental‑health supports as the community stitches itself back together.

Man arrested for hurling jerky and firing a cap gun — A 39‑year‑old from Dawson Creek is charged after allegedly throwing beef jerky at students, shouting Bible verses, firing a cap gun toward a principal, then fleeing by car and leading police on a long pursuit before his arrest near Hinton. Charges include mischief, dangerous driving, fleeing from police and imitation firearm offences.

Hilary Duff is going on tour — Hilary Duff announced The Lucky Me World Tour with Canadian stops in nine cities, including Calgary (Jan. 26, 2027 at Scotiabank Saddledome) and Toronto (Aug. 12, 2026), and opens for shows by La Roux and Jade LeMac in 2026. Fans can expect new music tied to her Feb. 20 album Luck... Or Something and big arena dates across North America and beyond.

A father who survived Taber’s 1999 shooting reflects on forgiveness — Dale Lang, whose 17‑year‑old son Jason was killed in the 1999 Taber school shooting, says forgiveness helped his family heal and he urges long-term community support for Tumbler Ridge families. He stresses that returning to schools and staying present for young people helped in recovery and wrote a book, “Jason Has Been Shot!,” about the experience.