As tributes continue to come as the country and community grapple with the recent events in North East Alberta. Four members of the base have been confirmed causalities with another 39 people impacted by the accident with the effects of the accident being felt closer to home. Mayoral candidate for Oro Medonte Cathy Keane announcing on social media one of her family members was involved in the accident. In the post she added she would no longer be door knocking as she travels to Alberta to be with her family. CTV News did reach out to Keane for comment but have not heard back. CTV News also reached out to the two other mayoral candidates for comment. “Our best wishes and prayers go out for a speedy recovery of those that were injured and may have a long recovery process, but we’re going to pray for them in hopes that they have a full recovery as soon as possible,” said Randy Greenlaw. “I hope she just feels all of Oro Medonte wrapping their arms around her in this time right now,” said Joannie Pritchett. In Ottawa, tributes poured in from different members in the House of Commons before being adjourned late Monday morning. Member of Parliament representing Barrie and Innisfil John Brassard also served as a shadow minister for Veteran Affairs and said the outcome of this accident will affect all members of the military. “Everybody who’s in the military will in some way, shape or form be impacted by this so we have to support them and their families as well,” said Brassard. Rick Purcell, president of Branch 43 Legion in Orillia said this accident was historical. “Pretty shocking situation that there’s an accident like that in a peace time role and I think it’s one of the largest accidents in a peace time situation in Canada,” said Purcell. The legion in Orillia continues to support those currently serving our country. “We also try to represent veterans of today, so today’s veterans, something like this might bring back memories that haunt them from something in the past because it’s a tragedy,” said Purcell. “They may have had a different tragedy, but this is a tragedy that affects them.” With Brassard adding those who serve have dedicated their life and careers to our country. “It’s the preparatory work that goes into that, the training sessions, like what happened at CFB Wainwright,” said Brassard. “And it goes on every single day across the country at military bases, including at CFB Borden and so it’s the preparation for that deployment, that some oftentimes comes with the type of sacrifice that we saw over the weekend.” And if people are looking to help, Brassard said there are many ways. “Burn injuries often require a lot of blood transfusion and plasma transfusion so that’s another way that people can help. Remembrance Day is just a few weeks away and the Legion and officials want to remind residents those looking to directly support members of the military and Veterans can do so by purchasing a poppy with the proceeds going directly back to them.
