MPs from all parties stood to applaud and honour Vale Miner Stephen Perry today following Claude Gravelle’s statement in the House of Commons prior to Question Period today. Here is the statement:

Mr. Speaker,

Communities in the region Nickel Belt and Sudbury are mourning the tragic death of Vale miner Stephen Perry

 Mr. Perry was a development miner working in the main ore body at the 4200 level of the Coleman mine when he was killed on Sunday.

 He has been described as generous, skilled, experienced and highly respected by his colleagues.

 Mr. Perry came from Cornerbrook Newfoundland, he had a large family of 15 siblings and a daughter. He had been in Sudbury the last 16 years

 As a former employee of Vale and Coleman mine, I know firsthand how dangerous it is to work underground. At the end of the day all a miner wants to do is earn a good living and go home to his family. My heart goes out to his family and his co-workers.

 Today I am also thinking of Jason Chenier and Jordan Fram who were killed underground only 7 months ago in Sudbury.

 These are tragedies felt by the entire community.

 On behalf of all members here and my colleagues’ from Sudbury, St John’s East and St John’s South- Mount Pearl I offer our prayers, condolences and deepest sympathies to the Perry family.