Niki Sharma, Attorney General, Monday said that the  Government of British Columbia is filing legal action against OpenAI related to the Tumbler Ridge tragedy and advocating for stronger regulations on AI. 

"The people of Tumbler Ridge have endured an unimaginable loss, and they deserve answers and accountability. As part of our ongoing efforts to achieve that, British Columbia is filing a lawsuit against OpenAI in California for its failure to notify law enforcement of threats made on its platform prior to the mass shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary school.

"This action is an important step toward seeking justice for the families, students, educators and community members whose lives were forever changed by the events of Feb. 10, 2026. The Province is working closely with the board of education for SD59 Peace River South as this matter proceeds through the courts," the statement said. 

"The lawsuit being filed raises serious questions about the responsibilities of technology companies when they become aware of credible threats of serious violence, and the actions that should be taken to help protect people and ensure public safety," the statement read.

"This case highlights the urgent need for strong national safeguards for artificial intelligence technologies and online platforms. Our government has consistently advocated for measures to protect people, especially children and youth, from online harms," she added.

"I have written to federal ministers Fraser, Solomon and Miller with clear policy ideas to amend the Criminal Code of Canada to ensure a pathway to human accountability for AI's actions," said the Attorney General.

"As technology evolves, our laws and safety frameworks must keep pace. British Columbians deserve confidence that credible threats of violence will be treated seriously, and that those who profit from offering AI services to the public are held accountable for any criminal actions that can appropriately be traced back to them.," she reiterated. 

"To date, OpenAI has not taken meaningful steps to address the concerns raised by survivors, families and the Tumbler Ridge community. The company still has an opportunity to demonstrate accountability by strengthening safeguards, improving transparency and taking concrete action to help prevent similar tragedies in the future," she added.

"This action today is consistent with the Province's long-standing commitment to hold powerful corporations accountable when their products or practices cause harm to people and communities. From tobacco and opioid manufacturers to vaping companies, the Government of British Columbia has used the courts to pursue accountability and ensure that people in B.C. are not left bearing the costs of corporate wrongdoing," the Attorney General has said.