Mr. Speaker, I rise today in this House on behalf of my constituents to offer our deepest sympathies to the families and communities affected by the recent tragedy that took place in Fort Smith. This accident came as such a shock for what felt like just another ordinary day to a flight of such dedicated northern workers who have passed away so suddenly who were simply on the job or heading back to work. They were pilots, mechanics, truck drivers, talented young diverse workers whose strength powers our territory towards shared opportunity and prosperity.
Mr. Speaker, we are poorer as a territory without these young women and men. They truly were the future of the Northwest Territories. Yet, we are also lonelier as a territory in their absence as, most importantly, they were irreplaceable family members, sons, daughters, husbands. They were loved and gave love to their families, their friends, their neighbours. They were proud members of the community, and those communities were nothing but proud of them. Today, their communities bear such grief because they are their vital pieces of collective soul but in their passing, they also leave behind incredible memories and knowledge that will surely be passed on over future generations and bring great comfort to those who knew them. Their memories will surely be a blessing.
Mr. Speaker, we don't know what caused this accident, though we will find out. But we do know that to live and work in our rugged vast territory, we are still working on the frontier. There are real dangers, and sometimes they can bring us closer to the edge than we may have expected. It can be unforgiveable and unpredictable that so many of us can brave the unknown and head out into this vast land to live and work is an integral part of our character as Northerners. And as Northerners, when we lose loved ones we wrap our communities around each other to grieve and heal together. Since this accident, we've seen such a tremendous outpouring of love and support, and it should not come as a surprise. As Northerners, we practice our traditions of compassion and solidarity.
Mr. Speaker, I want to express that compassion and solidarity from my constituents. I want to show my optimism that this investigation comes to a thorough conclusion that could possibly lead to changes that save lives in the future. In closing, I want to show my utmost respect for the first responders who jumped right in and tried to save as many lives as possible. But most of all, I wish that those six who passed away may rest in peace. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you. Members' statements. Member for Sahtu.
