Mr. Speaker, on October 19 a terrible tragedy befell my community of Richmond. Peter Garrison died when his plane crashed into a high-rise. The accident cost us his life, injured two others and left as many as 135 members of my community homeless.
I am proud that our community has responded spontaneously. The Tsu Chi Foundation was first at the scene and S.U.C.C.E.S.S. and the Richmond emergency social services unit were all there to help the victims. Many citizens have opened up their homes to help.
I have met with many of the victims and they have several important questions to ask the government.
Why is the minimum airplane insurance set at $100,000?
Should changes be made to the flight plans taking planes away from densely populated areas?
Should stricter licensing requirements be made based on age and previous accidents?
We must take the necessary steps to make sure this never happens again.