MP O'Neill-Gordon Participates in Commemoration of Escuminac Disaster

News Release

ESCUMINAC, New Brunswick, June 21, 2009 - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, Tilly O'Neill-Gordon, Member of Parliament (Miramichi), today participated in the commemoration of the 50 ^th anniversary of the Escuminac Disaster.

"Occasions like this provide an opportunity to come together and remember parts of our past that have a common resonance for the community," said Minister Moore. "On behalf of Prime Minister Stephen Harper and our Government, I offer my sympathy to the survivors, as well as to the descendants, families, and friends of the victims of the Escuminac Disaster."

"The worst work-related catastrophe in this province, the Escuminac Disaster is a sad part of our New Brunswick heritage. The loss of those 35 fishermen will long remain in the collective memory of fishing communities along Miramichi Bay," said Ms. O'Neill-Gordon. The strong sense of community that enabled those left behind to thrive is quite evident in the quality of the organization of this weekend's commemorative events."

The Escuminac Disaster took place during the night of June 19 to 20, 1959, when 35 fishermen perished in a violent storm on the coast. Escuminac Wharf, located at the entrance to Miramichi Bay, was at that time the centre of fishing activity for several nearby communities. Events to commemorate the 50 ^th anniversary of this tragedy took place from June 19 to 21, 2009.

Information:

Deirdra McCracken
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages
819-997-7788
deirdra.mccracken@pch.gc.ca

Claudine Daigle
Director
Regional Communications
Atlantic Region
Canadian Heritage
506-851-3980

Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155

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MP O'Neill-Gordon Participates in Commemoration of Escuminac Disaster

News Release

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