A mayoral candidate in an Ontario municipality north of Toronto says she’s taking time away from campaigning to be with her son, who was “critically injured” after a large fire broke out Saturday at a Canadian Forces Base in Wainwright, Alta.
Cathy Keane, who’s running for mayor in Oro-Medonte, Ont., says the family received “devastating” news overnight Saturday that her eldest son is among the dozens of military members injured in the Wainwright fire.
Four service members also died after the fire broke out in a large training area Saturday afternoon, officials say.
“As a mother, right now I need to be with my son and family,” Keane said in a Facebook post on Sunday.
She said she would be “unable to continue door-knocking” for the rest of her campaign, but assured Oro-Medonte residents that she was still running for mayor.
“My belief in this community and the future we can build together has not changed,” said Keane, a former township councillor for the municipality, which is located about 85 kilometres north of Toronto.
“Right now, I ask for your understanding as our family navigates an incredibly difficult and uncertain time.”
CFB Wainwright fire: 39 in hospital, 19 in critical condition
Prime Minister Mark Carney called the fire “one of the worst tragedies for the Forces on Canadian soil in peacetime.” Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said on Sunday that 39 patients are currently in hospital, with at least 19 in critical condition.
Keane’s post on Facebook was shared widely amongst the community, including by Barrie-Springwater MP Doug Shipley. He said his thoughts are with the family at this difficult time.
Oro-Medonte mayoral incumbent Randy Greenlaw also took to social media to share his thoughts and prayers with the families and service members impacted by the CFB Wainwright incident.
“I am thinking of Cathy and Allan Keane during this incredibly difficult time,” he said in a Facebook post Sunday.
“Our deepest condolences to those who have lost loved ones, and our thoughts and prayers are with everyone who has been injured.”
CFB Wainwright fire started during multiple training exercises
Ontario Premier Doug Ford said the province is standing ready to help Alberta and Wainwright with any recovery efforts.
“As Canadians, let’s come together to support our brave men and women in uniform, who put their lives on the line to protect our freedoms and our country,” he said in a post on social media platform X on Sunday.
Ford said flags at all provincial government buildings and establishments would be flown at half mast. Carney said Sunday that Canadian flags would also fly at half-mast at federal buildings across the country.
