Tears, prayers and quiet reflection in the House of Commons after CFB Wainwright tragedy

OTTAWA — Some MPs cried. Others prayed or reflected quietly. And all listened solemnly as party leaders delivered heartfelt homages in the House of Commons to the military members killed or injured by the devastating fire at CFB Wainwright this weekend.

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On Saturday, four Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members were killed and 39 others were injured when a fire spread at lightning speed across part of CFB Wainwright, roughly 200 kilometres southeast of Edmonton.

On Monday, Carney told the House of Commons that a small fire in a training area of the base seemed under control. But a sudden “ferocious” windstorm picked up, carrying the fire where soldiers were conducting live fire exercises in “a few minutes.”

The prime minister told the House that the cause of the original fire is not yet known but 50 investigators from the CAF’s National Investigation Service were on the ground.

What was meant to be a Monday of typical fierce and raucous debate in the House of Commons quickly turned into a day of recollection and well wishes by leaders of all federal parties.

All opposition leaders promised that the “time for answers” from the government would come, but focused their speeches Monday on remember the dead, supporting the injured and thanking first responders.

After offering MPs an update on the situation, Carney delivered a somber homage to the four deceased.

Sergeant Morgan Wong, known as “someone who was always there” for his family, served with NATO forces in Latvia and was preparing for another tour in Europe.

Private Aidan Goulding “met every hardship with a joke, and when others struggled, he shouldered more than his share without ever being asked.”

Private Shaun Farrell “was a generous and deeply loyal friend, known in his battalion as the grand master of chess.”

Private Hayden Lykkemark, a close friend of Farrell’s, “was known for his gift for lightening a hard day and quick wit.”

“When people see the maple leaf on the sleeve, they see hope and they get help. The soldiers who were training at Wainwright on Saturday belong to that proud tradition,” the prime minister said.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, who appeared in the House virtually from Wainwright, also delivered an homage to the four men and dozens of injured. CFB Wainwright is in his riding of Battle River—Crowfoot.

He recounted how he had met an inspiring and impressive group of young military members during a Canada Day celebration at the base in Wainwright.

This weekend, he discovered one of them — “strong, handsome, polite” private Goulding — had passed away in the fire.

“I remembered meeting him. He is among the dead. One of his compatriots had posted the picture with the condolence message: ‘Rest in peace, my brother. I’m going to miss you. Love you, man. Can’t wait to see you again’,” Poilievre said.

Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet, NDP MP Gord Johns and Green Party Leader Elizabeth May also set aside the usual political rhetoric to express heartfelt sympathy for the dead, injured and their families.

“Our sympathy and tears cannot fill the holes in your lives,” said a teary May.

More to come.

National Post

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