Statement
March 11, 2019 Ottawa, Ontario Employment and Social Development Canada
The United Nations Association in Canada, Ocean Wise, the Canadian Wildlife Federation and the Government of Canada are deeply saddened by the news that 18 Canadians were among the 157 people lost on Ethiopian Airlines flight ET 302 bound for Nairobi, Kenya.
"Four of the victims were a part of our UNA-Canada family," says Kate White, President of the United Nations Association in Canada. "Our condolences and our thoughts and prayers are with the families, friends and loved ones of four talented young Canadians. This is a profound loss. These four youths, one a UNA-Canada staffer and three young delegates who had volunteered in their communities with Ocean Wise and with the Canadian Wildlife Federation were heading to Nairobi under our banner to represent Canada as part of a very special program shaped with the Government of Canada and civil society partners - Canada Service Corps."
"These bright, young Canadians were an inspiration: compassionate leaders, dedicated to the conviction that they could build a better future for our country," said the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour. "It is a tragic and profound loss for their family, friends and Canada. My sincere and deepest sympathies to their loved ones during this difficult time."
These remarkable and courageous young Canadians will be forever remembered for their brilliance and commitment to making this world a better place. They were truly global citizens.
"It is with heavy hearts that we share the loss of two of our youth who were part of our Ocean Bridge program at Ocean Wise -- an initiative that empowers Canadian youth to make a difference towards ocean conservation," said Lasse Gustavsson, President and CEO at Ocean Wise. "These exemplary youth will be forever remembered for their inspirational leadership."
"These young Canadians shared the excitement and optimism of working to improve our world," said Canadian Wildlife Federation CEO Rick Bates. "Their lives are an inspiration to us all."
We would like to encourage people to reflect on their contribution and offer support to their families and friends, and the grieving community, as we also respect the privacy of the families. These precious youth believed they could make the world a little better through their actions, and we believe they have.
We also offer our condolences to the families and loved ones of all those on board Flight 302. The Canadian government is working closely with its Ethiopian counterparts to ascertain the facts and to ensure that we can provide the most effective support to Canadian families at this difficult time.
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