STATEMENT FROM NDP MPS CLAUDE GRAVELLE (NICKEL BELT), OPPOSITION CRITIC FOR NATURAL RESOURCES, AND GLENN THIBEAULT (SUDBURY), OPPOSITION CRITIC FOR CONSUMER PROTECTION AND SPORT, ON THE DEATH OF 47 YEAR OLD STEPHEN PERRY

 After learning of the sudden and tragic death of the miner Stephen Perry, yesterday, NDP MPs Claude Gravelle and Glenn Thibeault wanted to express their sincere condolences to the family and friends of the man who had worked for Vale in Sudbury for 16 years.

 “As a former employee of a mining company 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,” said Gravelle.

 The accident occurred yesterday while Perry was working in the main ore body at the 4,215-foot level of Coleman mine.

 “This is an extremely tragic incident, and the second in the last year to affect the region. At this very difficult time, my thoughts and prayers are with the victim’s families, friends, co-workers, and other members of the community as they try to cope with this shocking and devastating loss,” said Thibeault.

 The Sudbury area MPs welcome the investigation of the accident and want workplace safety to be the top priority in any final recommendations.