PRIME Minister Mark Carney on Thursday said in a statement on the National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Air Disasters: “Six years ago, 176 innocent lives – including 55 Canadians, 30 permanent residents of Canada, and many more with ties to our country – were tragically taken when Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 (Flight PS752) was shot down by the Iranian regime just minutes after take-off.

“On this solemn anniversary, we pause to remember those we lost on that day and to honour all victims of air disasters around the world. Canada stands with their loved ones as they grieve and continue to seek accountability to this day.

“The shocking and unlawful downing of Flight PS752 left a profound mark on Canadians, and Canada remains unwavering in our commitment to hold Iran accountable. To this end, Canada, alongside our partners in the International Coordination and Response Group, is pursuing the ongoing cases against Iran at the International Court of Justice and the International Civil Aviation Organization to secure justice for the victims.

“In parallel, Canada continues to lead global efforts to prevent future air disasters. Last year, Canada and Morocco co-hosted the fourth international forum under the Canada-led Safer Skies Initiative, where we brought together over 200 participants from States, international and regional organisations, and industry to strengthen safety measures for civil aviation operating over or near conflict zones. At the Forum, Canada welcomed the broad endorsement of a Renewed Safer Skies Commitment Statement to improve civil-military coordination and airspace deconfliction, information sharing practices, and crisis response.

“We will keep pressing for justice for the families of those who died on Flight PS752. Today we pay tribute to all those who have lost their lives in air disasters by affirming our commitment to building a more secure world.”

PREMIER David Eby said: “On this solemn occasion, we observe a National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Air Disasters. We remember the lives lost in these tragedies as we also remember the pain suffered by grieving friends and families.

“The shooting down of Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 shocked the conscience of the world six years ago. The commercial flight was filled with international students and business owners and professionals, as well as families with young children, many of whom were travelling to Canada. The Islamic Republic of Iran has refused to take full responsibility for their actions, which killed 176 people, including 55 Canadians, 30 permanent residents and many others with connections to Canada.

“After this terrible incident, the Government of Canada established a National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Air Disasters to pay tribute to those victims, as well as to those of all air disasters, including Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302, Air India Flight 182, Swiss Air Flight 111 and Air Ontario Flight 1363.

“On this day, we honour the lives lost and renew our commitment to building a safer aviation system around the world to ensure such tragedies never happen again.”

CONSERVATIVE Party Leader Pierre Poilievre said: “Six years ago, early in the morning, Flight PS752 took off, bound for Kyiv with many aboard returning to Canada. They were coming back from the holidays, spending time with family and friends, or even from their wedding. They were travelling back to communities across our country from Victoria to Halifax.

“None would make their connecting flights home. Just seven minutes after takeoff, two missiles from the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps murdered all 176 passengers, including 55 Canadian citizens and 30 permanent residents.

“This was a barbaric act of terrorism against our people. We join with the families and loved ones of those whose lives were taken in seeking justice for their murder.

“Iran’s culpability in this crime is without dispute, as the Ontario Superior Court of Justice awarded the families of victims close to $250 million. Yet for years, they have been denied compensation, despite frozen regime assets that could have been used to provide justice.

“As Iran continues to intimidate our citizens here at home, Canada must expose and expel agents of foreign regimes and ensure our country remains a safe place for all Canadians.”