Mr. Speaker, I rise with a heavy heart for the family, friends and members of the Ornge ambulance team as emerging details reveal we lost four of Canada's best.
Late last night, Ornge's helicopter went down between Moosonee and Attawapiskat.
As a nurse on countless medical evacs and relying on teams like the four who perished, I appreciate their work. They are dedicated to making sure Canadians living in our isolated and remote communities in the vast region of northern Ontario are picked up and transported safely almost without exception, no matter the weather or the time of day.
In this case the Ornge Sikorsky helicopter was reported missing at 1:11 a.m. this morning. Canadian Forces search and rescue assets were dispatched swiftly. Our SAR techs parachuted onto the crash scene and confirmed the fatalities at dawn.
I ask all members to join me in paying tribute to this tragic loss of these four lives and those who take such particular risks to ensure the health and safety of all Canadians across this immense country.
We share their loss. Our hearts are with their family and friends.