Premier John Horgan says he wasn’t surprised with the way Kamloopsians responded to the crash of a CF Snowbirds plane on Sunday.
Speaking this morning on the NL Morning News, Horgan says in true fashion, Kamloops stood up.
“They looked squarely in the face of tragedy and they came together and the images that have been on television and the internet are inspiring,” he said.
“And I want to thank the people of Kamloops for again, heroic efforts to hold together and give hope to not just the Casey family, not just to Nova Scotia but to all Canadians.”
Horgan said both the thoughts of his wife Ellie and himself are with the people of Nova Scotia who have been through so much tragedy in the past few weeks.
“And to now have to mourn the loss of yet another Nova Scotian in what has been absolutely a terrible year for the people of Nova Scotia, is also a very very sad day for all of us here in British Columbian and across the country,” Horgan added.
Defence Minister, Harjit Sajjan also made a stop by the growing memorial for Captain Jennifer Casey by the airport, accompanied by members of the Snowbirds and other military personnel. He also met with the Mayor Ken Christian and MP Cathy McLeod at City Hall.
“Minister Sajjan and [Commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), Lieutenant] General Al Meinzinger expressed sincere appreciation for the first responders at Sunday’s plane crash, and for the members of the community who have come out to pay their respects and show support,” said Mayor Christian.
“They were especially moved by the stories and respects paid by nearby residents, the video of the drum circle, and the growing community tribute along the airport fencing, which is covered in Canadian flags, flowers and written tributes.”
Christian says they have asked that Kamloops send some of the tributes that are on the airport fence to the Snowbirds base in Moose Jaw so they can be appreciated by the Snowbirds team.
“These are extremely challenging times and our community has been rocked to the core. We are all still processing this tragedy, and for those who need support, I encourage you to reach out to the RCMP’s victim services help line,” added Christian.
(Photo via Colton Davies)
– With files from Bill Cowen
