Support inquest into boating tragedy, Horwath tells Wynne

NDP Leader Andrea Horwath called on Premier Kathleen Wynne and the Liberal government today to support an inquest into the 2013 boating tragedy in Lake Wanapitei that claimed three lives and left one survivor.

“Will the Premier do the right thing and support the people of Sudbury by demanding an inquest into this tragedy?”

The NDP leader supported the call for an inquest from families of the victims, the only survivor, Rob Dorzek, and the president of the Sudbury Professional Fire Fighters Association who said there were "major deficiencies" in the emergency response system that evening, said a news release.

Horwath reminded the premier that her own Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care reported confusion between emergency response services the night of the tragedy. She pressed the premier to listen to the families involved who have been left with unanswered questions and concerns.

“After meeting with the government’s ministry representatives, Mr. Dorzek and the families involved still feel that they have been receiving conflicting stories on this matter. These families and the people of Sudbury need assurances they can trust their emergency response system. The people in the Sudbury area need to know that when they dial 911, they are going to receive the help that they need,” Horwath said.

“The chief coroner’s office is under the purview of this Liberal government. Instead of asking these families to go through more paperwork, why will this premier not do the right thing and just call for the inquest?”