EDMONTON, Alberta (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has expressed condolences to the families and colleagues of those killed or injured in a tragic incident at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright on Saturday, October 17, as provincial authorities continue coordinating the emergency response.
In a statement issued Sunday, Smith said Alberta was grieving alongside the Canadian Armed Forces and the families, friends and colleagues of those affected. She described the loss of life and injuries as heartbreaking and wished those receiving treatment a full recovery.
The premier also acknowledged the efforts of emergency responders and medical personnel who mobilised following the incident. She thanked firefighters from the Municipal District of Wainwright, paramedics, physicians, nurses and hospital teams across Alberta for providing assistance to those injured.
Smith extended particular appreciation to Saskatchewan for supplying additional air ambulance capacity and recognised other provinces that had offered support and condolences.
Provincial Emergency Response Activated
The Alberta government is working with federal officials and local authorities in response to the incident. According to Smith, the province has convened its Emergency Management Cabinet Coordination Committee, while the Provincial Emergency Coordination Centre has been activated at Level 3.
The measures are intended to support coordination among the agencies involved in responding to the incident and managing its consequences.
As a mark of respect for those who lost their lives, the provincial government will lower flags at government buildings across Alberta to half-mast. Smith said the gesture was intended to honour the victims and show solidarity with the military community and their families.
The premier also praised Alberta’s frontline healthcare workers and the province’s acute-care system for responding to the mass-casualty event.
Concluding her statement, Smith said the province would continue to stand with the Canadian Armed Forces, the Wainwright community and everyone affected as they navigate the aftermath of the tragedy.
Further details about the incident and its circumstances were not provided in the premier’s statement.
