Blaine Calkins, MP

SO-31 - April 12, 2010

Polish Air Tragedy

On behalf of the Canada-Poland Parliamentary Friendship Group, I would like to express our shock and sadness at the sudden, and tragic, passing of Polish President Lech Kaczynski, his wife Maria and the members of the Polish Delegation who lost their lives in Saturday’s plane crash.

I had the honour and privilege of accompanying First Lady, Maria Kaczynska, as she toured Centre Block, last year.  You will recall, Mr. Speaker how delighted she was to have her photo taken with Sir Winston Churchill’s portrait, in your office.

We learned from her that day that her uncle had been one of the victims of the Katyn massacre.  So, it is especially difficult to hear of her untimely passing while en route to Russia to commemorate the lives of the 24,000 Polish, Prisoners’ of War who were brutally killed in the Katyn forest, seventy years ago. 

My wife Barbara and I join with all members of the Canada-Poland Friendship Group in expressing our sincere and deepest sympathy to the families of the victims, the people of Poland and all Polish Canadians during this very sad and difficult time.

I encourage Canadians to sign one of the books of remembrance at the Polish Embassy in Ottawa or at any Polish Consulate.        

Thank you