TORONTO –
Grieving relatives will mark three years today since the downing of Flight PS752 by the Iranian military at memorial ceremonies in 12 major cities across Canada and 26 countries around the world.
Families will take part in rallies from Vancouver to Toronto and St. John’s to mark the anniversary of the downed plane that killed 176 people, including 55 Canadian citizens and 30 permanent residents.
The Ukraine International Airlines flight was traveling to Canada via Ukraine and was shot down shortly after taking off from Tehran in January 2020.
A large commemorative event in Toronto’s north side begins with an 11 a.m. reception and art gallery viewing, followed by an official ceremony hosted by the Flight PS752 Victims’ Families Association.
Several senior federal cabinet ministers will attend the private ceremony at 2 p.m., which will include remarks from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and will be followed by a public candlelight vigil in nearby Mel Lastman Square.
The association, families and other supporters are also taking part in rallies in Canada, calling on Ottawa to take a tougher stance against Iran.
On December 28, Canada joined similar countries at the start of the process to refer the case of Flight PS752 to the International Court of Justice and attempt to force Iran to compensate the families of the victims.
Advocates say the move should have come sooner and the RCMP should have launched a criminal investigation while Ottawa negotiated with Tehran.
Today is the National Day of Remembrance for the Victims of Aviation Crashes. We will never forget the Canadians we lost in these tragedies and will continue to stand by their loved ones as we work to prevent further tragic loss of life. My statement: https://t.co/88xM7SUNsi
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) January 8, 2023
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with grieving family members Friday and said Ottawa will be relentless in its fight for truth, justice and accountability.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published on January 8, 2023.
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This story was produced with the financial assistance of Meta and the Canadian Press News Fellowship.
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