Local mayor praises work of local hospital staff amid mass casualty scenario

While noting he’s a fiscal hawk, federal Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre said Sunday no expense should be spared in helping CFB Wainwright and its families.

Speaking 24 hours after a windswept blaze killed four Canadian soldiers and wounded dozens of others, the official opposition leader said the suffering in the community can’t be overstated, nor should the heroism of soldiers caught in the fire.

“People who ran towards rather than away from the danger and are now paying a cruel price, fighting for their lives in hospitals,” said Poilievre outside Wainright’s town hall next to a maple leaf flag at half-mast.

“We’re well known for wanting to count every penny the government spends but in this case, we need to show the utmost generosity to the base, its members, its families.”

Poilievre, who’s the local MP for Battle River—Crowfoot, also said Canadians should pay tribute to the victims on Remembrance Day, which will be marked in less than a month.

“More than ever, we need to remember the tremendous men and women who carry on the tradition of the armed forces, who sacrifice everything for all of us,” he said, adding he’ll be briefing the Liberal government on the needs of the grieving community.

Joining Poilievre was Wainwright Mayor Bruce Pugh, who said the steadfast work of the town’s hospital on Saturday night as a mass casualty event unfolded will remain memorable.

“Those of you who had a chance to stand outside those doors to see the work that goes on inside, it’ll be praised for years,” said Pugh.

“When we speak that there are angels (among) us, you’re witnessing it.”

He said it’s time to return the favour of military personnel in Wainwright by serving them.

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