Trudeau remembers Canadians killed in air disasters, says country is ‘world leader’ in aviation safety

PM Trudeau boards RCAF01 Airbus in Ottawa enroute to the Netherlands. October 28, 2021. Photo: Adam Scotti/PMO

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau paused yesterday to remember Canadians killed during air disasters.

“Air disasters have claimed the lives of far too many Canadians. Today, on the third National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Air Disasters, I join people across Canada and Canadians around the world to honour the people we have lost to these tragedies and mourn alongside those they left behind,” said Trudeau.

He said the country remembers the victims of all disasters, including Air Ontario Flight 1363, Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 (Flight ET302), Air India Flight 182, and Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 (Flight PS752).

“Canada is a world leader in safety and security in civil aviation,” he said.

“The Government of Canada is working to ensure the safety and security of air travel worldwide by collaborating with partners to prevent further tragic losses of life. With our international partners, we are taking concrete action to ensure Iran is held accountable for its egregious and unlawful downing of Flight PS752. Canada is also demonstrating strong leadership on the Safer Skies Initiative, alongside international partners, to ensure the safety of civilian aircraft travelling in or near conflict zones. We continue to advocate for the International Civil Aviation Organization to review its aircraft accident investigation framework, to enhance the transparency and credibility of investigations.”

He said Ottawa was working to provide 176 scholarships, average $25,000 each, in memory of the victims of Flight PS752.

“As we honour the victims of air disasters, we stand with families, friends, and all those who have lost loved ones to these tragedies. We will always remember them,” said Trudeau.