STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER

February 2, 2003
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Jean Chrétien issued the following statement following the news of a fatal avalanche in British Columbia:

" It is with great sadness that I learned of a second deadly avalanche in British Columbia in such a short time. That a school trip of enthusiastic teenagers with a great love of the outdoors should end is such tragedy is unthinkable. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims' families, with the students and staff of Strathcona-Tweedsmuir school, and with the communities that have suffered such a terrible loss. We wish a speedy and complete recovery for the injured.

Aline joins me in expressing our deepest sympathy to the victims' families and to their many friends. We also extend our warmest thanks to the rescue crews at the scene who were able to save many lives and prevent further tragedy."

 

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