Statement by the Prime Minister


July 19, 1999
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Jean Chrétien was saddened to learn that there is now no hope that John F. Kennedy Jr., his wife Carolyn Bessette and her sister, Lauren Bessette will be found alive:

"News of this tragedy was received with great sadness. For almost forty years, the Kennedy family has embodied the dreams and hopes of an entire nation. And so it is extremely unfortunate that this family – which has left such a mark on the modern United States – should again suffer the blows of fate.

On behalf of all Canadians, I wish to extend my condolences to the Kennedy and Bessette families. At this difficult time, my prayers and those of Aline go out to the families of the victims, their friends and colleagues, and the American people."

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