OTTAWA, Feb. 11 (Xinhua) -- Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Wednesday ordered all flags on Parliament Hill and federal buildings across Canada to be flown at half-mast for seven days as the country mourns the victims of a mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia province.
The shooting claimed 10 lives, including the shooter, making it one of the deadliest mass shootings in Canadian history.
Carney told reporters on Parliament Hill that it was a "very difficult day for the nation."
Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree is currently en route to the northeastern British Columbia town to coordinate federal assistance, Carney said, adding that "all assistance will be offered."
The prime minister also noted that he has received expressions of "solidarity and compassion" from world leaders.
Carney cancelled his scheduled events for Wednesday to address the tragedy. The prime minister and members of parliament are expected to make a statement in the House of Commons on Wednesday afternoon before adjourning for the day.
Local police received reports of a shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School at approximately 1:20 p.m. local time (2120 GMT) on Tuesday. Officers discovered the bodies of six victims on the school grounds.
Another victim died while being transported to the hospital, and two additional bodies were discovered at a nearby residence believed to be connected to the case, according to the police.
Tumbler Ridge is a remote community of approximately 2,400 people, located about 660 km northeast of Vancouver. The secondary school involved has an enrollment of about 160 students.
An investigation into the shooter's identity and connection to the school is ongoing, said police. ■