British Columbia is filing legal action against OpenAI over the February 10, 2026 shooting in Tumbler Ridge, the province said in a statement released Monday.
Attorney General Niki Sharma issued the statement in Victoria on Monday, September 21, 2026, saying the province is seeking to determine what role OpenAI’s technology may have played in the shooting that killed eight people.
“The people of Tumbler Ridge have endured an unimaginable loss, and they deserve answers and accountability. Today, our government is taking the next step by filing a lawsuit against OpenAI,” Sharma said.
“The lawsuit being filed raises serious questions about the responsibilities of technology companies in ensuring their products do not cause harm,” Sharma said. “We believe that companies developing and deploying artificial intelligence must be held accountable when their products contribute to real-world harm.”
Sharma said she has written to federal ministers Fraser, Solomon and Miller with ideas to amend the Artificial Intelligence and Data Act, urging Ottawa to set clear safety standards for AI in Canada, per the statement. “This case highlights the urgent need for strong national safeguards for artificial intelligence technology,” she said.
The province’s case stands apart from the 37 claims already filed by victims’ families, educators and students against OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman. Families first sued in April.
OpenAI called the shooting an “unspeakable tragedy” in an emailed statement carried by CBC, saying it remains committed to working with government and law enforcement. The company had earlier pledged stronger safety protocols for Canada.
“To date, OpenAI has not taken meaningful steps to address the concerns raised by survivors, families and the broader community,” Sharma said. “Legal proceedings cannot undo the immense loss experienced by the people of Tumbler Ridge. However, pursuing accountability is essential to supporting healing and preventing future tragedies.”
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