Press Release – Hon. Pierre Poilievre, P.C., M.P. (Battle River—Crowfoot):
Less than six months ago, I celebrated Canada Day at CFB Wainwright. The atmosphere was joyful and patriotic. And as I was leaving, a group of energetic young men came up and asked for a photo. We shared a few laughs and had a great conversation.
I remember thinking how lucky we are to have young Canadians willing to serve their country and protect others. In the prime of their lives, they chose to put themselves in harm’s way to keep the rest of us safe.
On October 17, like so many Canadians, I got the devastating news that there had been a major fire at CFB Wainwright. My thoughts immediately went back to the young men I met there on Canada Day. I hoped those boys were not among the casualties.
Sadly, just the next day, someone sent the photo I took with those young men. Pte. Aidan Goulding, 23 years old, was among those we lost. I remembered meeting him.
We mourn him alongside Pte. Shaun Farrell, Sgt. Morgan Wong and Pte. Hayden Lykkemark.
Dozens more were wounded, some in life-threatening condition. Many face long and painful recoveries, and their lives have been changed forever.
When I came to Wainwright in the wake of this tragedy, I heard stories of both heartbreak and Heroism.
I heard stories of soldiers who displayed remarkable courage as they ran back into the flames to rescue their comrades, suffering horrific burns as a result.
I heard stories of firefighters from the base and the surrounding community who stayed awake for days working tirelessly to bring the blaze under control.
I heard stories of doctors, nurses, EMTs and air ambulance crews from Alberta and Saskatchewan who sprang into action when faced with an unthinkable mass casualty event, many answering the call while off duty.
All these heroes endured unimaginable circumstances. Yet everywhere I went, I saw strength, humility and determination. People were simply focused on helping one another and doing what needed to be done. In that typical, get-the-job-done, Canadian kind of way, they simply kept going.
The entire nation owes a debt of gratitude to those who answered the call during those terrible days. In a moment of profound loss, the base and the Wainwright community – civilian, military and veterans – came together and showed the very best of Canada.
I have never been prouder to be your MP and a Canadian.
The families of the fallen will need our continued support. The wounded will need the best possible care. First responders, doctors and nurses will carry difficult memories that will take time to heal. We must stand with them in the weeks, months and years ahead.
I have called on the government to provide the support our Canadian Armed Forces members, first responders, medical staff and community members need in the aftermath of this tragedy.
I will continue working with all levels of government to help ensure the base and all of Wainwright has the support it needs to heal.
Even in our grief, we can be grateful. Grateful for the courage of those who serve. Grateful for those who ran into the flames to save others.
Grateful to the first responders, doctors and nurses caring for the wounded. Grateful that our country has such extraordinary people whose courage and compassion withstood the darkest of moments.
The soldiers we lost served something greater than themselves.
The country for which they died is the country for which we must live.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this column, or if you require assistance regarding a Federal Government program, you are encouraged to send an email to pierre.poilievre@parl.gc.ca or call 1-800-665-4358.
