Mr. Speaker, words cannot describe the shock and sadness Canadians felt when a small commercial aircraft crashed into the St. Lawrence River yesterday, taking the lives of seven of the ten people on board.
It tears at our hearts and leaves us with a deep feeling of emptiness and hurt. As we remember and grieve for the loss of life we must also give praise and tribute to those who helped preserve it.
The incredible rescue of the three survivors began when a six year old girl witnessed the crash and, upon notifying her mother, set in motion a series of events that led to a privately owned helicopter racing toward the downed plane.
Facing snow squalls and poor visibility and risking their very lives, the crew of the small chopper arrived at the crash sight in 17 minutes. They flew low enough to the turbulent waters to snatch the three survivors from the icy grip of the St. Lawrence just before the tide rolled in and hope was slipping away.
To the Quebec provincial police, Canadian armed forces and the coast guard, but above all to those who notified authorities and flew the small privately owned helicopter, we salute your courage. We salute your valour. Above all, we salute your selfless deed and for risking your lives to save the lives of others.