Premier David Eby has issued the following statement marking the National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Air Disasters:

“Today, we remember the people we have lost in air disasters, and we stand in solidarity with the loved ones they have left behind.

“Five years ago, the winter holidays ended tragically for the 176 people aboard Ukrainian International Airlines Flight 752 and their loved ones. Every passenger and crew member was killed when the Islamic Republic of Iran shot down the plane travelling from Iran to Ukraine. 

“The majority of the passengers were bound for connecting flights to Canada. They were families, many with young children, coming home after spending the holidays with relatives. They were international students returning to their studies after a much-deserved break and visit home. And they were doctors, dentists and business owners who made incredible contributions to our communities.

“The attack on Flight 752 stole the lives of 55 Canadian citizens, 30 Canadian permanent residents and many others with connections to our country and our province. This senseless tragedy brought up painful memories of the 1985 Air India bombing, in which 280 Canadians were killed, as well as other air disasters.  

“Today, we remember those we have lost in these horrific events. We continue to condemn all acts of terrorism and violence, and we support the federal government’s work to hold the Islamic Republic of Iran accountable for the attack on Flight 752. We will always stand with the families of the victims of Flight 752 as they demand justice for their loved ones.

“To honour the lives lost aboard Flight 752, as well as members of the Iranian diaspora who continue to fight for the rights and freedoms of their people, our government is working with the City of North Vancouver to establish a monument. This will be a place to gather, a place to remember and a place to renew our collective resolve to fighting for justice.

“We will continue working with our partners here and abroad to ensure everyone can safety travel around their communities and around the world.”