President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney held a phone conversation on Thursday to address trade cooperation, regional peace, and the tragic car-ramming incident during the Lapu-Lapu Day Festival in Vancouver last April.
In a social media post, Marcos described the call as productive and expressed gratitude for Canada’s swift response in aiding the Filipino community affected by the April 26 attack, which left several people dead. “We explored ways to enhance cooperation in trade, defense, and regional stability,” he added.
Carney’s office echoed the sentiment, offering condolences to the victims’ families and confirming discussions on broader bilateral issues, including cultural exchange and a shared commitment to a rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific.
The Vancouver tragedy, which occurred in Sunset neighborhood during a Filipino cultural celebration, claimed the lives of victims aged 5 to 65. The accused, Kai-Ji Adam Lo, has been charged with at least eight counts of second-degree murder.
Carney also extended a formal invitation to Marcos to visit Canada, with both leaders agreeing to maintain close diplomatic contact.