Government marks May 2 as official day of remembrance and mourning for victims
The Government of British Columbia has announced a formal review of the province’s Mental Health Act following a tragic incident at a Vancouver street festival that left 11 people dead and several others injured, according to a report.
Premier David Eby confirmed on Wednesday that the review will evaluate whether the current legislation is functioning as intended to support individuals with mental illness while also protecting public safety, reported CBC.
Health Minister Josie Osborne will oversee the review, which will be supported by Dr. Daniel Vigo, B.C.’s chief scientific adviser for psychiatry, toxic drugs and concurrent disorders. No timeline for the review has been announced.
"This incident is bringing to light additional concerns and urgency that they have around reform of the Mental Health Act in this province," Eby said Wednesday afternoon, according to the report.
On the evening of April 26 during the Lapu-Lapu Day Block Party in East Vancouver, a cultural event celebrating Filipino Canadian contributions, 30-year-old Kai-Ji Adam Lo drove an SUV into a crowd at the festival as activities were wrapping up, police said, according to the report.
Lo has been charged with eight counts of second-degree murder.
According to Vancouver police and the local health authority, Lo had a history of interactions with both law enforcement and mental health professionals. He was under the care of a mental health team and on “extended leave” under the Mental Health Act at the time of the incident. Vancouver Coastal Health stated that Lo was being monitored and had not exhibited any signs of non-compliance or public safety risk.
The Mental Health Act allows for both voluntary and involuntary treatment of individuals with mental illness. Under extended leave provisions, patients can receive care while living in the community, and can be recalled to hospital if they refuse treatment or support.
Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim has launched a comprehensive internal review of the city's permitting, site safety, and emergency response planning, according to the CBC report. He also urged the province to increase investment in mental health services, including the expansion of treatment beds and improvements to bail conditions for high-risk individuals.
“Mental health is health care, and health care is a provincial responsibility,” Sim said. “Vancouver is stepping up, but we can’t and should not be doing this alone.”
May is Mental Health Awareness Month.
“The Province of British Columbia has declared today, Friday, May 2, 2025, to be an official day of remembrance and mourning for the victims of the murderous attack at Lapu Lapu Day in Vancouver,” Eby said in a statement.
