Oro-Medonte mayoral candidate Cathy Keane has stated that her eldest son was critically injured in a fire at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta on Saturday, Oct. 17.
The incident killed four Canadian Armed Forces members and injured dozens of others. An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fire is underway.
In a social media statement, Keane said she would travel to support her son and family during this difficult time. She also announced she would suspend door-to-door campaigning for the remainder of the municipal election campaign.
“As a mother, right now I need to be with my son and family,” she said.
“I will be travelling to Alberta and unable to continue door knocking for the remainder of the mayoral campaign. Please share the pinned post with my information with your neighbours, friends and your community.”
Keane confirmed she remains in the race for mayor ahead of the Oct. 26 municipal election.
“I want residents to know that I am still in the race for Mayor of Oro-Medonte, and I stand by my commitment to our friends, families and neighbours more than ever,” she said.
“My belief in this community and the future we can build together has not changed.”
Barrie–Springwater–Oro-Medonte MP Doug Shipley expressed his condolences following the incident.
“I am deeply saddened to hear of the tragedy at CFB Wainwright,” he said.
“My thoughts are with the Members of CFB Wainwright, their families, and the surrounding community impacted by this incident on the base.”
Prime Minister Mark Carney also addressed the tragedy, offering support to those affected.
“Our hearts go with and we are praying for the wounded,” he said.
“And we stand in solidarity and compassion for the families, the friends, and the colleagues of all those affected by this tragedy. Canadians come together in crisis.”
The Canadian Armed Forces confirmed the deaths and injuries.
