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On behalf of the Executive Board of Unifor Local 531, we are deeply saddened and disturbed by the senseless act of violence that occurred at the Lapu-Lapu Day Festival in Vancouver this past Saturday. As a union that proudly represents a richly diverse membership—including many Filipino workers and families—this tragedy has deeply impacted our union family.
Many of our members know people who were directly affected by this incident. We extend our heartfelt condolences and unwavering solidarity to all those impacted.
We are incredibly thankful to report that all Unifor members present at the festival are safe, including those working the Unifor booth and members of our British Columbia BIWOC (Black, Indigenous, Workers of Colour) Committee, who were on-site hours before wherethe incident occurred. Their safety is a great relief amid such a tragic event.
Support Resources Available to Members
We want to ensure all members know where they can turn for support—whether it’s for mental health services, crisis response, or culturally safe spaces.
Vancouver
- Crisis Centre BC: 1-800-784-2433 | crisiscentre.bc.ca
- Filipino Canadian Cultural Heritage Society: 778-689-9464
Calgary
- Distress Centre Calgary: 403-266-4357 | distresscentre.com
- Philippine Cultural Center Foundation: 403-273-0623 | philippineculturalcenter.com
- ActionDignity: (supports racialized communities including Filipino Canadians): 403-263-9900 | actiondignity.org
Toronto (Ontario)
- Toronto Distress Centre: 416-408-4357 or text 45645 | dcogt.com
- FCYA (Filipino Centre Toronto): 416-886-4917 | filipinocentre.com
You can also access mental health resources through your Medavie Blue Cross Health benefits, Unifor's Employee & Family Assistance Program - Greenshield+ or by contacting your union rep for support.
Staying Safe at Large Public Events
Though incidents like this are rare, they remind us how important it is to stay alert. If you attend festivals, protests, or other large gatherings, here are some safety tips to help protect yourself:
- Identify exits and emergency services immediately when you arrive.
- Create a meeting point with friends or family in case you get separated.
- Report anything suspicious to security or police—better safe than sorry.
- Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded or confined areas.
- Keep your phone charged, and carry basic ID and emergency contact information.
In Solidarity with Our Filipino Community
Events like the Lapu-Lapu Festival celebrate the strength, pride, and cultural richness of the Filipino community in Canada. While we mourn what happened, we refuse to let violence erase the joy, identity, and contributions of our members.