Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, has released the following statement in response to the findings and recommendations in Technical Safety BC’s Fernie Incident Investigation Report:

“This has been a very difficult process for the entire community of Fernie. I want to again extend my condolences to the three families who lost loved ones in the Memorial Arena tragedy last October.

“I want to thank Technical Safety BC for the 18 recommendations designed to prevent a similar ammonia release. The recommendations, for arena owners, maintenance contractors, training providers, local B.C. governments and the Canadian Standards Association, will improve safety in ice-rink refrigeration systems throughout the province, so people can feel safe when they attend hockey games, skating practice or other community events.

“Technical Safety BC’s recommendations are the result of a thorough investigation under the Safety Standards Act to determine the cause of the tragedy, and identify how to help make sure something like this does not happen again.

“Moving forward, Technical Safety BC will work with communities and stakeholders to advance the recommendations, and implement safety improvements for ice-rink refrigeration systems, to help ensure that British Columbians are safer.”