Debates of August 23, 2011 (day 16)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise with enormous sadness today to offer words of sympathy to the families and friends of Yellowknifers who lost their lives in the tragedy of First Air flight 6560. I offer these condolences in concert with my colleagues and in the absence of a sitting Member for the riding of Range Lake where they resided.

Ute Merritt was a flight attendant who perished in the Resolute Bay disaster. Daughter Samantha of Weledeh has noted that in every picture of her, Ute is smiling. Ute’s prowess as a sailor is well known, and she and Jim were virtually unbeatable in the regular races on the bay. My heartfelt condolences to Ute’s husband, Jim, and to their children, Victoria, Nicolas, Devan, Carl, and Samantha.

Dave Hare, a well-respected first officer with First Air, was a former Weledeh constituent. Dave put priority on spending time with his children and was an outdoor and hunting enthusiast. I offer my deepest condolences to his wife, Jane, and to their children Lily, Adelyn, and Genevieve, and to Dave and Jane’s parents who are in Yellowknife supporting their family.

Anne Marie Golding was purser and flight attendant on the First Air flight and was a long-term nurse at Stanton Hospital. She was very highly regarded, with many friends in the community. To Anne Marie’s children, Ashley and Bradley, and to her parents, Linda and Harry of Yellowknife, I extend my deepest sympathies.

While we mourn the loss of these parents and community members, let’s also give thanks for the miraculous survival of Nicole Williamson and Robin Wyllie, both of Yellowknife, and seven-year-old Gabrielle Eckalook.

The service and sacrifice of those in our aviation industry should also be recognized. In our small and tightly-knit northern society these losses hit hard and sadness ripples throughout our community. Though we may not have been personally acquainted with these lost, we know they were our community partners and fellow citizens. This kind of tragedy cuts deep.

I know all Members join me in expressing the most profound regret at these families’ losses and our prayers that with the help of their community and loved ones they will find comfort in their grief. Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Bromley. The honourable Member for Kam Lake, Mr. Ramsay.