Alberta putting $22 million toward school security, citing Tumbler Ridge shooting

Desks in a classroom are seen in this generic stock photo.

Alberta’s government says it’s providing $22 million for school security upgrades in the wake of the school shooting in Tumbler Ridge, B.C. earlier this year.

The province says school boards will receive funding based on student enrolment and can put it toward upgrading cameras, window coverings and other security measures.

The government says $2 million is for staff training in schools to respond to emergency situations.

The government also says it will be introducing new school safety standards later this year.

In February, 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar shot and killed her mother and half-brother at the family home in Tumbler Ridge before going to a local school where she then killed five students and an educator.

Alberta Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides says the new funding will ensure schools and staff members are better prepared.

“In response to the tragedy in Tumbler Ridge, we are taking decisive action to strengthen school security and ensure staff are better prepared to respond in critical moments,” Nicolaides said Thursday in a news release.

“Safety cannot be an afterthought.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 9, 2026.

Jack Farrell, The Canadian Press