July 8, 2013 

Message from the Governor General Following the Tragedy in Lac-Mégantic 

OTTAWA—Like so many people across Canada, Sharon and I were shocked by the unimaginable catastrophe that unfolded in Lac-Mégantic over the weekend. Our hearts go out to the residents of this community, who have been devastated by this tragedy and whose lives are forever changed. Although we cannot begin to imagine the overwhelming distress that they are experiencing, our thoughts and prayers, and those of all Canadians, are with them as we pay tribute to the innocent victims. 

Sharon and I would also like to extend our sincere thanks to the emergency, first aid and counselling services and to all of the volunteers, as well as to all levels of government, for their efforts to support the members of this community during this most difficult time. 

We hope that the extraordinary solidarity, resilience and courage that we have seen will in some small way help to ease the profound grief that is gripping the families, friends and loved ones of the victims and those who remain unaccounted for, as well as the entire community. 

David Johnston 

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Media information:

Marie-Ève Létourneau
Rideau Hall Press Office
613-998-0287
marie-eve.letourneau@gg.ca