Michael Cooper, MP

Alberta is mourning alongside the Canadian Armed Forces and the families, friends and colleagues of those affected by the tragic incident at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright yesterday. The loss of life and injuries are heartbreaking. On behalf of the Government of Alberta, I extend my deepest condolences to the families who have lost loved ones and wish those who have been injured a full recovery. Our thoughts are also with the military personnel, families and colleagues facing uncertainty and grief during this incredibly difficult time. We are deeply grateful to the first responders, paramedics, physicians, nurses and hospital teams across Alberta who have mobilized to provide care to those injured. Albertans should all be incredibly proud of their frontline health care workers and our acute care system that has managed this mass casualty event. We’re also thankful to our neighbours in Saskatchewan who did not hesitate to support our response with additional air ambulance capacity, and to other provinces who have reached out offering their support and condolences. I will be traveling to Edmonton today to meet with provincial ministers and federal officials. The Government of Alberta continues to work closely with the federal government and local authorities. We have convened our Emergency Management Cabinet Coordination Committee and the Provincial Emergency Coordination Centre (PECC) has been activated to a level 3. As a mark of respect for those who have lost their lives and in solidarity with the military community and their families, flags at provincial government buildings across Alberta will be lowered to half-mast. In the days ahead, our thoughts will remain with everyone affected by this tragedy. Alberta stands with the Canadian Armed Forces, the people of Wainwright and all those grieving during this difficult time.