Statement from Mark Poweska, President and CEO of Hydro One

We thank the Transportation Safety Board (TSB) for conducting a thorough investigation into the tragic helicopter crash on December 14, 2017.

This incident has had a profound effect on the entire Hydro One family.  Today our thoughts remain with the families of James Baragar, Jeff Howes, Darcy Jansen, Kyle Shorrock, and everyone affected by this devastating incident.

When something this unimaginable happens, you immediately seek answers.  Since the incident, we initiated our own internal investigation and engaged third-party experts to conduct a review of our helicopter operations.  We have adopted the recommendations from this review and have introduced additional safety measures across our operations to prevent a tragedy like this from ever occurring again.

In its detailed analysis and conclusions, the TSB’s report includes a recommendation to Transport Canada to remove the ambiguity around the use of seatbelts and harnesses. The report also reinforces that cargo should be appropriately stored and secured.  Based on the TSB’s preliminary information shared following the incident, we have already strengthened our policies to ensure the use of seatbelts and proper cargo storage. 

Safety is a core value at Hydro One and we are deeply committed to continually enhancing our culture of safety.