Ottawa, ON- Local MP Dave Van Kesteren and Leamington Mayor John Paterson spoke today about the recent boating accident that claimed three lives in the waters near the Leamington Marina. Following their initial discussions the MP and Mayor issued the following statement.

“We are saddened by the unfortunate loss of three lives during the recent boating accident in Leamington. Our deepest thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of those who were lost. We are committed to working together wherever possible so that a tragedy like this does not happen again.”

The Member of Parliament followed up by saying, “The Mayor and I acknowledge that there is an investigation ongoing as to the cause of this accident, we will await those findings. However I will be speaking with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and will invite them down at the earliest appropriate moment to appreciate the situation first hand and collectively explore any additional actions we can responsibly take.”

Mayor Paterson reiterated, “The breakwall has been a problem for boaters since I can remember. My goal is to bring attention immediately to our senior levels of government about this problem, and work with them towards an improvement.

Van Kesteren and Paterson agreed to continue to work together on this file and plan to meet once the MP returns after the House of Commons rises later this month.