Premier Christy Clark and Solicitor General Shirley Bond offered the following statement on how the Province will honour the heroes who responded bravely to last week's plane crash near Vancouver International Airport.

"Like most British Columbians, I read and heard the incredible stories of selfless heroism that emerged through the weekend," said Premier Christy Clark. "When you consider the harrowing circumstances and the grave danger these people put themselves in to save others, it's clear they deserve our deepest thanks. Without their quick-thinking responses, there is no doubt the tragedy of this incident would have been compounded.

"I believe many people share our belief that we should honour the civilian heroes, the plane's crew and the first responders, and we will do just that."

When Premier Clark returns from Asia, she and Minister Bond will host a reception at the Parliament Buildings to honour the bravery of those who responded to the plane crash.

"The people who ran to the burning wreckage approached it as strangers - but their collaborative, lifesaving efforts went far beyond courageous and selfless," said Bond. "They have emerged from this emergency a community of heroes, and we want to recognize every one of them.

"Emergency Management BC is working with the Richmond Fire Department to identify all those who helped to minimize loss of life in this tragic crash, and I would encourage the heroes, or anyone who is aware of them, to please contact either agency."

Contacts:

Chris Olsen
Press Secretary
Office of the Premier
604 220-1640

Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General
250 356-6961