December 08, 2005
Ottawa, Ontario

Yesterday a Canadian Coast Guard helicopter crashed near the Burin Peninsula off the southern coast of Newfoundland and Labrador while on a flight to repair a navigational aid. Tragically, two individuals on board - a Transport Canada pilot and a Canadian Coast Guard technician - lost their lives in the crash.

On behalf of all Canadians, I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to the family, friends and colleagues of these two persons. Canadians should know that every day on our oceans, lakes and rivers, Coast Guard and Transport Canada employees are there to ensure the safe passage of mariners. In many cases, individuals risk their own lives to save others who come in harm's way.

This tragic accident reminds us of the sometime dangerous work undertaken by the men and women of the Canadian Coast Guard and Transport Canada in the service of our country. We deeply regret the loss of these two brave individuals.