New Democrats mark the one year anniversary of the Ukrainian Flight 752 tragedy

OTTAWA – One year ago today, Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 was shot down minutes after taking off from Tehran, Iran. Among the 176 people killed, 138 had ties to Canada as citizens, permanent residents and students, making it a significant Canadian tragedy. As Canadians mark this solemn anniversary, New Democrats mourn with the relatives and loved ones of those who were lost and are again joining with them in the call for answers.

"My thoughts are with all of the families and loved ones who lost someone on Flight 752 one year ago. This tragedy has changed their lives irrevocably and today we join with all Canadians in expressing our deepest sympathy for those grieving this unspeakable loss," said NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh. "Our hearts are broken for them. The government must do everything it can to help these families get answers about what happened that day."

"I was honoured to attend a solemn online Memorial Service yesterday for the families of the victims and very moved to look back at the photos of those lost that appeared soon after the crash in Canadian media. They will never be forgotten by their families and those who knew and loved them," added NDP Critic for Foreign Affairs, Jack Harris.

The lack of transparency and accountability in Iran's investigation of its own military raises significant concerns for New Democrats who are urging the government to insist on an impartial legitimate international process to get facts for Canadians. If Iran expects to continue to participate in international civil aviation, they must accept an impartial process and allow a proper investigation to take place.

"The families and loved ones have been through a horrendous ordeal. Their grief is made worse by the lack of answers. They deserve to see some progress and the Canadian government must redouble its efforts to hold Iran to account along with our civil aviation partners with consequences for non-cooperation," said Harris.