The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Sherry Gambin-Walsh, Minister of Service NL:

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the eleventh anniversary of the crash of Cougar Flight 491 which occurred on March 12, 2009. This day marks a tragic anniversary in our province of lives lost and others changed forever. We remember the lives of the 15 passengers and two crew members who were lost that day and offer our deepest sympathies to families and friends.

Mr. Speaker, the crash of Cougar Flight 491 still resonates with residents of the province all these years later. I’m certain we can all recall the profound sadness and shock felt when we heard the news about this devastating loss. It serves as a stark reminder of the historical dangers associated with working on our ocean.

The Provincial Government, along with our partners in the offshore, continues to keep safety a top priority, diligently working to continuously strengthen the regulatory regime and ensure everyone is provided with the safest working conditions possible.

We want to ensure a strong health and safety culture for all offshore industries and we will continue to make necessary improvements for this enhanced safety –so family and friends can have peace of mind as their loved ones leave for work.

Thank you.