In response to the car attack that took place in Vancouver at the Lapu-Lapu Block Party on April 26, 2025, City Council has unanimously passed a motion to rent out Rogers Arena, at no charge to the credit of Canucks Entertainment Corps, for a large scale memorial service that will include a benefit concert.
Although City Council had informed the non-profit Filipino B.C. that there would be a large scale memorial event in June, no family members of the victims were consulted on the decision.
Ken Sim has responded to the criticism claiming that the event was “shaped by a shared desire to honour those impacted and create space for citywide reflection.”
Other Filipino figures such as Mable Elmore, Filipina-Canadian MLA for Vancouver-Kensington and Christian Cunanan, President of United Filipino Canadian Associations in B.C., have come to Sim’s defence, pointing out that the Mayor has responded to the crisis well and has advanced inclusivity and compassion.