Statement from Burlington Mayor on the Ethiopian Airlines flight 302 plane crash and the mass shootings in New Zealand

I released a Statement from the Mayor on behalf of Burlington City Council earlier today regarding the Ethiopian Airlines flight 302 plane crash and the mass shootings at two mosques in the New Zealand city of Christchurch:"On behalf of Burlington City Council, I would like to offer my sincere condolences to the family and friends of those who lost their lives in the tragic plane crash and the mass shootings in Christchurch; you are all in our hearts and minds.Our thoughts are also with those who were injured in and witnessed the mass shootings. We wish them well in their recoveries.The citizens of Burlington mourn with you and stand by you as you heal from these tragic events."MY TAKE:Our world has been struck twice by significant tragedy in recent days. The Ethiopia plane crash that took the lives of 157 people, including 18 Canadians, has deeply saddened the global community. Now, with the horrific actions that have taken place at Christchurch in New Zealand, we mourn again for those we have lost. Any form of hatred, especially those that are based on a person’s faith or place of worship, is abhorrent and unacceptable. I stand in support of our local Muslim communities and offer my deepest condolences to the families and friends of all those affected. Our flags are lowered to half-mast today at Burlington City Hall out of respect for those we lost, and those in mourning.