Mr. Speaker, in the early morning of May 9, 1992 a violent explosion rocked the tiny community of Plymouth just east of the town of Stellarton in Pictou county, Nova Scotia. The explosion occurred in the depths of the Westray coal mine instantly killing the 26 miners working there at the time.
On Saturday, the sixth anniversary of the disaster, more than 150 people gathered at the Westray Memorial Park to commemorate this tragic loss of life.
We in this House must extend not only our sympathy and compassion to the many victims of Westray but also work to ensure such a tragedy never occurs again. I urge the Minister of Justice to address the recommendations made by Justice Peter Richard in his inquiry report. Furthermore I invite all hon. members of this House to join with me in calling on the province of Nova Scotia to provide fair severance to all of the former employees of Westray mine.
In memory of the victims of Westray, let us take responsible appropriate actions as elected officials of this House.