August 24, 2011
OTTAWA – The Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, today issued the following statement:
“I, like all Canadians, was shocked and saddened to learn of the tragic crash of First Air charter flight 6560 near Resolute Bay.
“This horrible tragedy has hit close to home for many employees of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, as many of them had a personal connection to those who perished on this flight.
“Among the victims was one of the children of Brenda Eckalook, our administrative officer in Iqaluit. Another child was hospitalized as a result of the crash. Our profound sorrow and our deepest sympathy go out to Brenda as she copes with this terrible loss.
“The crash also claimed Martin Bergmann, a former employee of Fisheries and Oceans Canada and a man with a passion for Canada’s north. His career later took him to Natural Resources Canada, where he was employed at the time of this tragic accident.
“I wish to offer my heartfelt condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of those who died.”
The Honourable Keith Ashfield
Minister of Fisheries and Oceans
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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Frank Stanek
Media Relations
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-990-7537
Barbara Mottram
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Ottawa
613-992-3474
