Tomorrow marks two years since the downing of Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 (Flight PS752), as well as the second National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Air Disasters. On this solemn occasion, we remember the victims of all air disasters, including Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 (Flight ET302), Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 and Air India Flight 182, and stand in solidarity with all those who have lost loved ones to air disasters.

“Too many Canadians’ lives were forever changed by the loss of a loved one in an air disaster. Most recently, Canadians were amongst the victims of the downing of Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 and the Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 crash. We will continue to stand by the families of victims, and through the scholarship program and commemoration tribute, we will continue to remember and honour their legacies.”

– The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs

 “Canada honours the victims of air disasters and continues to support the families of those who perished in Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 and Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752. To help families of the victims, we have implemented a new permanent residence pathway for certain families in Canada, and we continue to work on establishing a pathway to permanent residence for certain families who are outside Canada. More details on this new pathway will be announced in the coming months.”

– The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

“Air disasters have taken the lives of too many Canadians and left many families grieving the loss of their loved ones. Today, we are announcing a public consultation on how we can best pay tribute and remember those who have lost their lives in an air tragedy. Participation in this survey will ensure we create a meaningful and permanent place where families and those impacted by air disasters are able to find some comfort and peace.”

– The Honourable Pablo Rodriquez, Minister of Canadian Heritage

“We are working with our partners to help ensure air disasters, like Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 and Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302, never happen again. At the same time, we need to honour the memories of those who lost their lives. As we mark the second National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Air Disasters, we continue to grieve with their families and remember the loved ones lost.”

­­– The Honourable Omar Alghabra, Minister of Transport 

• Following the air disaster of flight PS752, the government enacted policy measures to issue temporary resident visas to victims’ families who needed to come to Canada to settle affairs. Given the COVID‑19 pandemic, and the inability of some to travel, the government extended this policy. As of November 30, 2021, 240 individuals have been issued temporary resident visas under this public policy.

• On May 13, 2021, the government announced a permanent residence pathway for in-Canada families of victims of air disasters ET302 and PS752. As of November 30, 2021, 75 individuals have been approved for permanent residence under this pathway. A new permanent residence pathway for certain families who are outside Canada will be launched in the coming months.

• The Safer Skies Initiative allows countries to work together to share information, advice, warnings, and best practices to better identify and manage risks to civil aviation in or near conflict zones. The initiative aims to develop better risk assessments, effective safeguards, and clear accountability for authorities who manage airspace.

• From March 29 to 30, 2022, Canada will host the second Safer Skies Forum, bringing together experts from many countries, international organizations, and the civil aviation industry.

• The public consulation on the physical tribute will run from January 7 to February 7, 2022. A summary of the results will be made available on the Canadian Heritage website. It will inform the vision and objectives of the commemoration.

• Physical tributes can take many forms—monuments, plaques, commemorative gardens, and more—and should resonate with the affected citizens and be a permanent public space for reflection and contemplation.

• In October 2021, Canada secured the support of 55 contracting states on our proposal to review the investigation framework through a dedicated ICAO panel. In addition, Transport Canada recently established a dedicated unit to review and identify other opportunities to reform protocols for aircraft accident investigations and to secure broader international support in these efforts.

Associated links

• Consultation on physical tribute in remembrance of those who have lost their lives in an air tragedy
• In-Canada families of Canadian victims of recent air disasters public policy
• Canada’s response to Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752 tragedy
• Statement by the Prime Minister announcing National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Air Disasters

Maeva Proteau
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
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Allison St-Jean
Senior Communications Advisor and Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Omar Alghabra
Minister of Transport, Ottawa
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Media Relations
Transport Canada, Ottawa
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Alexander Cohen
Minister’s Office
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
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Camille Gagné-Raynauld
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
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