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Eby concluded the news conference by reiterating a list of mental health resources available to those who need it — both within Tumbler Ridge and in the region.

Officials were emotional as they talked about the deep grief reverberating through Tumbler Ridge tonight, with the district's mayor particularly emotional as he thanked officials for being present.

Even as the focus remained on the victims of the mass shooting, questions around mental health care in Tumbler Ridge came up prominently — something that is sure to be a major theme as the investigation continues in the days to come.

Krakowka said that multiple health-care staff had been deployed to Tumbler Ridge in the wake of the tragedy.

He acknowledged that the local Tumbler Ridge Health Centre was set to lose full-time equivalent staff as early as March, and he was looking forward to having conversations with the Northern Health Authority and the province about attracting more staff to the centre.

Eby acknowledged there are many questions tonight about the suspect's mental health and said those answers will come in due course.

Earlier, RCMP said they had a history of police attendance at the family residence and that some of the calls had been related to mental health issues.

The premier said the province would address any questions that police were unable to answer through their investigation.

"We will make sure that all those questions are answered," he said.

Krakowka teared up as he thanked officials for their assistance, and asked his community to offer a hug to those who are grieving.

"Lend your ear when somebody needs your ear. Lend your shoulder when somebody needs your shoulder," he said.

Tumbler Ridge Mayor Darryl Krakowka fought back tears as he spoke about the families who lost children. He thanked local and federal officials for coming to his community in a time of crisis.

"We're one big family. We're going to need your support," he said.

He said the public safety minister reached out immediately to offer mental health counsellors, and said there were a number already working in the community to help get them deployed on the ground.

Krieger said that every available resource was being mobilized to support Tumbler Ridge, and they would be working with RCMP to ensure they're well-resourced in the wake of the shooting.

"We will care for one another in the days and months ahead, and we will support their community in their time of need today, and going forward," she concluded.

Krieger said the acts of violence yesterday have shaken B.C. And the country to its core.

"To the families who are grieving, to the students who witnessed what no child should ever see … we stand with you," she said.

She said that, in addition to the courage shown by first responders, community members showed courage and compassion by opening their doors to those affected.

Anandasangaree, the federal public safety minister, said he has attended a number of vigils in the course of his work, but never one with so many children present.

He thanked first responders for getting to the school within two minutes of receiving the call – several of them by name.

"These men and women in uniform … protect us in unimaginable ways while sacrificing their own mental health," Anandasangaree said. "We are all better off for your service."

Eby thanks first responders, whom he calls heroes, for the quick response to the shooting yesterday, as well as local officials for their leadership.

He also says the nearby Conuma coal mine closed their operations so more than 1,000 employees could be with their families at home.

The gathering took place along the Roman Walkway near the public library and community centre in Tumbler Ridge before Eby spoke. People held candles and removed their hats, while some laid flowers down at the centre of the square, in front of a Christmas tree still standing from the holidays.

Journalists stood back from the event, but were allowed to take photographs from a distance.

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