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Clovechok speaks to government remembering Field derailment victims

Doug Clovechok, Revelstoke’s MLA, spoke at the legislature today about the derailment earlier this month that killed three CP Rail workers.
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MLA Doug Clovechok spoke in the legislature today remembering the victims of the train derailment earlier this month. (Submitted)

Doug Clovechok, Revelstoke’s MLA, spoke at the legislature today about the derailment earlier this month that killed three CP Rail workers.

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak to a tragedy which occurred two weeks ago in my constituency near Field B.C.,” he said. “On Feb. 4, very early in the morning, a westbound grain train derailed between the upper and lower spiral tunnels.

READ MORE: Three crew members die in train derailment near Field

“When that train derailed, three crew members from Calgary perished.

“I believe I speak for all members in this House in offering my thoughts, prayers and condolences for the families, friends and colleagues of: Andrew Dockrell, Dylan Paradis, and Daniel Waldenberger-Bulmer.

“Three dedicated railroaders; one near retirement, one raising a young family and one who was only a few months into a new and exciting career.

“Despite the grief, the proud railroaders in my communities have carried on. Their dedication to duty and their actions exemplify their professionalism.

READ MORE: CP Rail identifies all three train derailment victims

“When we think of those lost, I ask that you think not only of their dedication and bravery but the dedication and bravery of so many others.

“Think of the first responders from the Field volunteer Fire Department, BC Ambulance Service and Parks Canada, the RCMP, CP Police and so many others.

“Think of the crews who worked so hard and tirelessly to recover the three men that we lost.

“Think about the locomotive engineers and conductors in Golden or Revelstoke or anywhere for that matter who boarded their trains, without hesitation to work their shifts, even after hearing of the tragic loss of their friends.

“That Mr. Speaker that is what courage looks like!

READ MORE: Transport Canada orders new braking protocol after fatal CP derailment in Field

“Think of the investigators from the Transportation Board of Canada and Transport Canada along with other agencies whose job it is to reconstruct the accident and identify the factors leading to it.

“Think of the crews who reconstructed the lines and had them back in service days later and think of the crews who continue the cleanup today.

“Think of the CP leadership, on all levels, and the caring and support they are giving to their CP family acknowledging that the grief that is nationwide.

“Mr. Speaker, railroads have been the arteries of our economy for over 150 years. Our Railroaders, all of the women and men, are not only driving trains; they are driving our economy. In doing so, they have formed a strong brotherhood and sisterhood and they are the heart of my communities.

“Mr. Speaker, my riding of Columbia River Revelstoke is home to hundreds of railroaders from Kimberley to Golden, to Field and Revelstoke and they continue to grieve the loss of three of their own.

“I ask the members of this house, when you have the privilege of meeting a railroader, shake their hand and thank them for their service and let them know that we stand shoulder to shoulder with them in this very difficult time.

“Mr. Speaker, we need to say thank you more often to our Railroaders; thank you for all that you do for this country, thank you for all you do for this province and thank you for all you do in our communities.

READ MORE: Railway workers launch online fundraiser for families of CP Rail train victims