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

“On this solemn occasion, we observe a National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Air Disasters. We remember the lives lost in these tragedies as we also remember the pain suffered by grieving friends and families.

“The shooting down of Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 shocked the conscience of the world six years ago. The commercial flight was filled with international students and business owners and professionals, as well as families with young children, many of whom were travelling to Canada. The Islamic Republic of Iran has refused to take full responsibility for their actions, which killed 176 people, including 55 Canadians, 30 permanent residents and many others with connections to Canada.

“After this terrible incident, the Government of Canada established a National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Air Disasters to pay tribute to those victims, as well as to those of all air disasters, including Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302, Air India Flight 182, Swiss Air Flight 111 and Air Ontario Flight 1363.

“On this day, we honour the lives lost and renew our commitment to building a safer aviation system around the world to ensure such tragedies never happen again.”