Mr. Speaker, it is with both sadness and honour that I rise today in this House on behalf of my caucus to express our feelings concerning the tragic crash of Swissair flight 111.
Like many of you, the news of Swissair flight 111 came to me as a shock, a shock that such a disaster could happen so close to home, so close to the tranquillity of Peggy's Cove. Like many others, as I stood on the rocks of Peggy's Cove that first morning looking out at the ocean at the rescue scene, I was filled with hopes and prayers that there would be survivors. It was so hard for all of us to accept the fact that this hope was to be in vain.
While the sadness persists, there is also an element of honour. This country can be very proud of the professional and efficient manner in which this disaster has been responded to by the many volunteers and professionals who saw the need and reached out quickly with compassion: the fisher people who on that fateful night pulled on their boots and without thought of self rushed out to sea to help; the Emergency Measures Organization; the military and the Canadian Coast Guard; the RCMP; the volunteer fire departments and rescue workers; the Transportation Safety Board; the harbour master; the Red Cross and Salvation Army; clergy and parishioners of all denominations; provincial and federal fisheries officials; politicians; and especially all the community residents from all walks of life.
Over these difficult days since the crash, my pride has been reinforced over and over again as I have watched the people of my riding and of the South Shore riding conduct themselves with dignity and unselfishly offer their skills, provide meals, open their homes and their hearts to help in any way they could. Even a special memorial service originally planned by the community to assist the area residents in dealing with their sorrow and grief was unselfishly shared with the country and indeed with the world.
When the media cameras were turned off and the rest of the country went back to the daily routine, the residents in and around Peggy's Cove were faced with a grim reality. Not only did they have to deal with the aftermath of haunting images and raw emotions, but also they were left with an economic crisis. Many of these people rely on the ocean for their livelihood, a livelihood that had been suspended. Everyone accepted that there must be restrictions around the crash site. Efforts have been made to resolve this very real problem. I on behalf of my constituents will continue to work co-operatively in that regard.
I thank my constituents for all that they have done and given to assist in this tragedy. Thank you also to the many other Canadians who showed love, compassion and the common bond of humanity in this time of great tragedy.
I extend on behalf of my caucus our sincere condolences to the families and friends of the victims and to all who suffered and continue to suffer as a result of this disaster. May God bless and comfort all of us.