(No. 398 - December 15, 2010 - 5:10 p.m. ET) The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement on the death of a number of asylum-seekers Wednesday in a shipwreck off Australia’s Christmas Island:
“On behalf of the government and all Canadians, I offer my condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their lives in this terrible tragedy, and I wish a quick recovery to those who were rescued.
“This incident is a painful reminder of migrant smugglers’ callous disregard for the fate of their passengers and that this despicable crime must never be tolerated.
“I also commend the efforts of the Australian officials and citizens who, in very dangerous conditions, risked their lives in saving many of the passengers.”
- 30 -
For further information, media representatives may contact:
Melissa Lantsman
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
613-995-1851
Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-995-1874
Follow us on Twitter.
