Monday April 6, 2020 ~ NATIONAL
by Mary Brooke ~ West Shore Voice News
Amidst the national crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic that he and the country are dealing with, today April 6 Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued a statement on the second anniversary of the tragic bus crash involving the Humboldt Broncos in Saskatchewan.
Trudeau marked the second anniversary of the Humboldt Broncos bus crash during his daily press briefing Monday from outside Rideau Cottage where he is self-isolating during COVID-19.
“Two years ago, 16 lives were lost, and many more were changed forever, following a tragic highway crash involving the Humboldt Broncos hockey team,” he said in a statement from his office.
“Today, I encourage Canadians to take a moment to think of the families and friends who lost loved ones, and the many people who continue to heal from the trauma and injuries caused by the accident. As they work through feelings of loss, grief, and anger, we join them to mourn the lives lost too soon,” said Trudeau.
“The recovery of the Humboldt Broncos community from this devastating loss demonstrates its strength and resilience, and the incredible compassion that Canadians have for each other.”
“The outpouring of support from across the country will never be forgotten. We will remember the jerseys worn by countless Canadians, the hockey sticks placed outside front doors from coast to coast to coast, and the donations raised to help the families and survivors,” the Prime Minister said.
Trudeau concluded: “To the Humboldt community: we are here for you. We will not forget your loved ones, or the resilience and strength you have shown as a community.”
The impact of the Humboldt bus crash included highlighting the deep sense of community within sports in Canada, especially how hockey bonds small communities together.
As well, 13 other people were injured in the crash, many with serious permanent impact.
One legacy of the crash, in particular, is that organ donation is actively needed in Canada, now promoted as Green Shirt Day after the Broncos jersey colour. This month there have been TV commercials promoting how six people received organs from Logan Boulet — one of the young hockey players killed on April 6, 2018.