The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Barry Petten, Deputy Premier:

Speaker, I rise today to recognize a tragedy that has deeply affected Canadians from coast to coast to coast.

On October 17, a devastating wildfire during a military training exercise at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta claimed the lives of four members of the Canadian Armed Forces and left many others injured.

On behalf of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and the people of our province, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the families, friends and fellow service members of those who lost their lives. We also offer our support and best wishes for a full recovery to those who were injured.

Newfoundland and Labrador has a proud and enduring military history, and our connection to the Canadian Armed Forces runs deep. Generations of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, including at least two of my colleagues, have answered the call to serve our country, and many military families continue to call our province home. We recognize that a tragedy like this is felt throughout the military community, across our province and across the country.

We are grateful to the military personnel, first responders, health-care professionals and community members who responded with courage and compassion during this difficult time.

As the House reflects on this tragedy, we stand alongside the people of Wainwright, all Albertans and Canada’s military community during this incredibly difficult time. I ask all Members to join me in honouring those who lost their lives and in keeping their loved ones in our thoughts and prayers through a moment of silence.

Thank you, Speaker.