LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
- July 3, 2007
Hon. Lawrence Cannon, PC, MP
Minister of Transportation
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A6
Dear Minister Cannon,
I am deeply concerned about an event that took place over the Columbia River near Trail BC on Monday, June 18 at approximately 11:10 PM. I have heard many accounts from my constituents that a low-flying jet flew over the Columbia River shaking houses and waking citizens up.
My staff has been trying to find out the source of this plane to no avail. I have contacted Major Mike Lagace from the 1st Canadian Air Division in Winnipeg and Lt. Cmdr. McIntyre from Navy Public Affairs Maritime Forces Pacific Headquarters. Both of these gentlemen were extremely cooperative. Upon a thorough investigation, they were able to confirm that all Canadian military aircraft, as well as known American military aircraft in Canada, were accounted for.
My staff has been working closely with media outlets in the area who have also been investigating the source of this aircraft and no one has been able to determine its source. My staff has also contacted military bases in the U. S. that are near the border and none has claimed responsibility for this aircraft.
We have also spoken with the Department of National Defence, DND, in Ottawa and have filed a formal request under the Access to Information Act.
It should be obvious that the presense of a low-flying jet in a heavily populated area should be a concern to all of us.
It is my understanding that NAV Canada has the responsibility of tracking all aircraft in Canada. At this time, I request that a thorough investigation of this incident be conducted by NAV Canada in conjunction with DND, and the Department of Foreign Affairs.
In the interest of the safety of our citizens and perhaps our national security, it is imperative that we resolve this issue so that such an incident will never happen again.
I await your response at your earliest possible convenience. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Alex Atamanenko, MP
BC Southern Interior
CC: Hon. Peter MacKay, PC, MP, Minister of Foreign Affairs
Hon. Gordon O'Conner, PC, MP, Minister of National Defence
Mr. John W. Crichton, President and CEO of NAV Canada
Peter Julian, MP, NDP, Transportation Critic
Major Mike Lagace
Lt. Cmdr. McIntyre
All media
To The Editor;
RE: Princeton Hospital Auxiliary
We have been getting exceptional donations, I would like to thank everyone for your support to our Thrift Store.
In June we gave ten thousand dollars to the Penticton Hospital Foundation. The Foundation is striving to reach one million dollars for a new Digital Stereotactic Mammography Machine. This machine will provide diagnostic information much more quickly than their present equipment.
In June we also gave a two thousand dollar bursary to a high school graduate going into the field of medicine.
Have a safe and fun summer!
- June Manning, President
Princeton Hospital Auxiliary
