B.C. Premier Christy Clark arrived at the Margaret Patrick Memorial Hall on Sunday to speak with community members about the Babine Forest Products explosion and fire that destroyed the sawmill on Friday night.
Community members, including many Babine Forest Products employees and their families poured into the crowded hall to hear what the Premier had to say.
She began by saying that she had three words to offer to the community of Burns Lake. “Faith, strength and hope. I have faith that those in the hospital will come back. All in B.C. are praying for this community and have been since Friday evening. You are all in our hearts and our prayers. This community has shown B.C. and Canada their strength and commitment to each other.”
Premier Clark also commended local health care workers for their efforts. “I stopped in at the [Lakes District] hospital this morning and some of the people there have been on shift for 36 to 40 hours. Some even came out of retirement, without being asked, to help. The response to this unexpected and terrible tragedy is commendable and I want you to know that the province sends its deepest thanks. This community is full of people who care deeply about each other. People have stepped up to do everything they can to care for their neighbours and loved ones. Hope will come back. I know that the community will grieve for some time, but know that your province is behind you and that we will do everything we can to make sure this community recovers.”
She went on to say, “I know that this mill is the heart and soul of this community and we are going to find a way to support you. This is what a government is for ....we are here for you,” Clark said, receiving a standing ovation from the community.
“God bless you all. God bless Burns Lake and know that you are in our prayers and our hearts.”
Lake Babine Nation Chief Wilf Adam then introduced Premier Clark to Burns Lake Mayor Luke Strimbold.
He said, “Premier Clark .... this is Mayor Luke Strimbold.” The comment resulted in applause and laughter from the community, to which Premier Clark responded by putting her hands to her face and laughing.
The light moment was in reference to the story ‘Premier Clark out of touch with the North, published in the Lakes District News edition of Jan. 18, 2012, in which, a letter sent by the Premier, congratulated previous Burns Lake Mayor Bernice Magee for her Nov. 2011 re-election to the seat of Mayor.
Mayor Strimbold explained Chief Adam’s introduction to the community. “That was in reference to a story published in the Lakes District News from the Premier.”
Mayor Strimbold said, “Hope is still out there and we need to give all the support we can to those that are in need. The community’s energy needs to be focussed on providing support.”
He also said the Burns Lake RCMP has requested that everyone stay away from the Babine Forest Products site, East of Burns Lake. He said the site has been locked down for an investigation and anyone going to the site will only impede the investigation.
Nechako Lakes MLA John Rustad, who arrived with Premier Clark said, “I have trouble finding words when something like this happens. The community and the whole Northern region has come together to support each other. I have been working with Babine Forest Products in the past to ensure the mill is prosperous and I assure you that I will continue to work with the province and the mill so that we continue to have forestry as a strong backbone in the North. I thank you all so much for what you have done. The stories I have heard have been unbelievable ... like it is second nature for people to step up and help each other.”
Chief Adam said, “We are all family here and we all know each other. We are Burns Lake. We will forever wonder what may happen. The lifeblood of our community has exploded. ”He said he appreciates the help that the community has given to the Lake Babine Nation over the past couple of days and especially commended the Mennonite community for their help. “[Babine Forest Products] workers are having a tough time right now. Three people are in critical condition and Kenny Michell is fighting for his life. He is due to have another surgery this week. Derek MacDonald is still in hospital in Prince George and Steve Dominic is now talking to his wife and is asking what is happening in Burns Lake. I know everyone is hungry for information ... this is catastrophic ... the whole mill blew up, but I want to tell you it will take time to get any answers. I want to say that we appreciate the Premier coming. It is important that we get the help we need.”
Burns Lake Band Chief Albert Gerow, also representing Burns Lake Native Development Corporation who have an 11 per cent ownership in the mill, said he understands people are wondering what is going to happen next. “I see that there is two candles of hope burning for our missing loved ones and I think we should light another candle of hope that Babine Forest Products will be rebuilt.”
Chief Adam requested that parents of mill employee Carl Charlie, Violet and Ben Charlie Sr. come up to light the candle with Premier Clark. With tears in their eyes, and holding each other, the Charlie’s made their way up to the front of the crowded hall to light the candle. In silence they lit the candle, Premier Clark hugged them and offered words of condolence, before they moved back to their seats.
After the meeting wrapped up the Premier spent half an hour talking to the Babine Forest Products employees, hugging them and offering her condolences.