Mantha: Time to re-double efforts. Searchers return to mall
Monday, June 25, 2012 by: SooToday.com Staff
A resident of Elliot Lake is reporting that the Heavy Urban Search and Rescue Team has returned to the Algo Mall to at least reassess the situation.
Following are full texts of releases from MPP Michael Mantha, whose office is in Elliot Lake and from Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty
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Statement from MPP Michael Mantha on rescue efforts in Elliot Lake
Michael Mantha, MPP for Algoma-Manitoulin, released the following statement:
Two days ago, a tragic accident in my community united us in shock and in grief.
Since then our community has been united in efforts to save every life we can.
Earlier today, my community learned that rescue efforts were being abandoned and we are, once again, united in shock, in grief and in outrage.
I can not believe that a mere 48 hours after these tragic events, there is nothing further to do.
I don't accept it.
The people of Elliot Lake don't accept it and I don't believe Canadians will accept it.
We can not leave people behind while there is hope.
The Premier must take all steps needed to continue the effort and we have contacted the Prime Minister's Office to ensure that federal resources are deployed as well.
This is not the time to give up. This is the time re-double our efforts.
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Statement from the Premier: rescue operations In Elliot Lake
(June 25) - Premier McGuinty released the following statement this evening on rescue operations in Elliot Lake:
"Ontarians have been hoping and praying that rescuers could reach any survivors in the rubble of the collapsed Algo Mall in Elliot Lake.
Today, we learned that the remaining structure has de-stabilized further.
Authorities on the scene believe it has become extremely difficult to predict whether it may collapse and that further rescue efforts could endanger the lives of the rescuers.
I have spoken to Emergency Management Ontario and the Heavy Urban Search and Rescue Team and have instructed them to determine if there is any other way possible to reach any victims without endangering our rescuers, including the use of equipment to dismantle the building from the exterior.
I believe we owe it to the families waiting for word of their loved ones to leave no stone unturned.
We owe that to the people of Elliot Lake too. Ontarians expect nothing less."
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Additional SooToday.com coverage of this story
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allieishere 6/25/2012 10:36:21 PM ReportYes please.
keeper 6/26/2012 2:23:01 AM Report Dalton, do everybody a big favour and fire your boy Needle. Its obvious this has been mismanaged from the begining,one big FUBAR.
Ask the Feds to take charge, they had no problem sending people to Haiti to crawl around in unsafe structures.
hitch 6/26/2012 6:32:30 AM ReportTo clarify--the toronto team were the ones that were have supposed to be at the world trade cetre--are the ones that decided to pull out of elliot after 48 hrs!--they decided to go back in when Mine Rescue said they were going in last night--thats the only reason this Toronto team has changed its mind! Makes ya wonder what they actually did in New York...
PastGreen 6/26/2012 6:56:51 AM ReportHaiti, World Trade Centre, Middle East....people dig for survivors...and they find them.
This is just sick. Glad to hear horrid decisions are being overruled. Too bad it seems it has to take politics over compaasion to get action.
I watched those dispassionate announcements...and I cried for those laying under that concrete.
PastGreen 6/26/2012 6:57:31 AM ReportHaiti, World Trade Centre, Middle East....people dig for survivors...and they find them.
This is just sick. Glad to hear horrid decisions are being overruled. Too bad it seems it has to take politics over compaasion to get action.
I watched those dispassionate announcements...and I cried for those laying under that concrete.
Dixiepup 6/26/2012 8:18:07 AM ReportThis is a fine example of workers rights gone too far. When you sign up for emergency services, that's what you sign on for, to put yourself in danger for the sake of others. The new generation of emergency workers are scared of their own shadow, and not willing to take ANY risks. Bring back the days of the old Police, and fire fighters who risked their lives everyday for the public for peanuts, not the wages they are paid today!
Prrrrrrr 6/26/2012 8:18:38 AM ReportTo tell the people of a mining town to just walk away so soon and without any real rescue attempts is scandalous!
I was horrified for the families of missing loved ones....
ONLY IN ONTARIO!!!!!
Ohhhboy 6/26/2012 9:09:44 AM ReportAs a Northerner now living in the South, I was appalled and embarrassed that they were calling off the search. I am glad they are starting again, but sadly I hope that is not too late. The search should NEVER have been halted in the first place.
Wheels17 6/26/2012 9:37:35 AM ReportI was watching the news and heard from Mr. Needles that they were cancelling the search for people trapped underneath the rubble in Elliot Lake and I was upset after hearing that. So if I was to ask Mr. Needles this question. "If these people were your family members, would you leave them to die?" I wouldn't think so. You would do everything in your power to get them out. Everybody needs closure on this situation in order to move on.
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