Prime Minister Carney Marks National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Air Disasters
National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Air Disasters honours the lives lost on Flight PS752 and reaffirms Canada’s pursuit of justice and aviation safety
The day also marks six years since Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752 was shot down shortly after take-off from Tehran, killing all 176 people on board, including 55 Canadians and 30 permanent residents of Canada.
Remembering Flight PS752 and Its Victims
In a statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office, Prime Minister Carney reflected on the lasting impact of the Flight PS752 tragedy on Canadians and acknowledged the ongoing grief carried by families and loved ones.
The Prime Minister stated that Canada continues to stand with those families as they seek accountability for the unlawful downing of the civilian aircraft by the Iranian regime.
Six years ago, 176 innocent lives were lost when Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 was shot down by the Iranian regime.
Today, we honour their memory, and all victims of air disasters. As we pursue justice for the families of victims of Flight PS752, we’ll keep working…
— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) January 8, 2026
Canada Pursues Accountability Through International Courts
Prime Minister Carney reaffirmed that Canada, alongside partners in the International Coordination and Response Group, is actively pursuing legal action against Iran at both the International Court of Justice and the International Civil Aviation Organization.
These proceedings aim to secure justice for the victims and uphold international aviation law, reinforcing the principle that civilian air travel must never be put at risk.
Strengthening Global Aviation Safety
Beyond accountability, the Prime Minister highlighted Canada’s leadership in preventing future air disasters. Canada continues to lead the Safer Skies Initiative, a global effort to improve civil aviation safety in or near conflict zones.
In 2025, Canada and Morocco co-hosted the fourth international Safer Skies forum, bringing together more than 200 participants from governments, international and regional organizations, and the aviation industry. The forum resulted in broad endorsement of a Renewed Safer Skies Commitment Statement, focused on improving civil-military coordination, airspace deconfliction, information sharing, and crisis response.
A Commitment to Justice and Prevention
Prime Minister Carney concluded by reaffirming Canada’s determination to press for justice for the families of Flight PS752 victims and to honour all those who have lost their lives in air disasters worldwide.
He emphasized that remembrance must be matched with action—both in pursuing accountability and in strengthening global systems to prevent future tragedies.
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