B.C. Premier Christy Clark arrived at the Margaret Patrick Memorial Hall this afternoon to speak with community members about the Babine Forest Products explosion and fire that destroyed the sawmill on Friday.

Community members, including many Babine Forest Products employees and their families poured into the crowded hall to hear what the Premier had to say.

She began by saying that she had three words to offer to the community of 亚洲天堂 Lake. 鈥淔aith, strength and hope. Everyone in B.C. is praying for the two men that are still missing. I have faith that they will come back to us. I have faith that those in the hospital will come back.  All in B.C. are praying for this community and have been since Friday evening. You are all in our hearts and our prayers. This community has shown B.C. and Canada their strength and commitment to each other.鈥�

Premier Clark also commended local health care workers for their efforts.  鈥淚 stopped in at the [Lakes District] hospital this morning and some of the people there have been on shift for 36 to 40 hours. Some even came out of retirement, without being asked, to help. The response to this unexpected and terrible tragedy is commendable and I want you to know that the province sends its deepest thanks. This community is full of people who care deeply about each other. People have stepped up to do everything they can to care for their neighbours and loved ones. Hope will come back. I know that the community will grieve for some time, but know that your province is behind you and that we will do everything we can to make sure this community recovers.鈥�

She went on to say, 鈥淚 know that this mill is the heart and soul of this community and we are going to find a way to support you. This is what a government is for ....we are here for you,鈥� Clark said, receiving a standing ovation from the community.

鈥淕od bless you all. God bless 亚洲天堂 Lake and know that you are in our prayers and our hearts.鈥�

Lake Babine Nation Chief Wilf Adam then introduced Premier Clark to 亚洲天堂 Lake Mayor Luke Strimbold.

He said, 鈥淧remier Clark .... this is Mayor Luke Strimbold.鈥� The comment resulted in applause and laughter from the community, to which Premier Clark responded by putting her hands to her face and laughing.

The light moment was in reference to the story 鈥楶remier Clark out of touch with the North, published in the Lakes District 亚洲天堂 edition of Jan. 18, 2012, in which,  a letter sent by the Premier, congratulated previous 亚洲天堂 Lake Mayor Bernice Magee for her Nov. 2011 re-election to the seat of Mayor.

Mayor Strimbold explained Chief Adam鈥檚 introduction to the community.  鈥淭hat was in reference to a letter published in the Lakes District 亚洲天堂 from the Premier.鈥�

Mayor Strimbold  said, 鈥淗ope is still out there and we need to give all the support we can to those that are in need. The community鈥檚 energy needs to be focussed on providing support.鈥�

He also said the 亚洲天堂 Lake RCMP has requested that everyone stay away from the Babine Forest Products site, East of 亚洲天堂 Lake. He said the site has been locked down for an investigation and anyone going to the site will only impede the investigation.

Nechako Lakes MLA John Rustad, who arrived with Premier Clark said, 鈥淚 have trouble finding words when something like this happens. The community and the whole Northern region has come together to support each other. I have been working with Babine Forest Products in the past to ensure the mill is prosperous and I assure you that I will continue to work with the province and the mill so that we continue to have forestry as a strong backbone in the North. I thank you all so much for what you have done. The stories I have heard have been unbelievable ... like it is second nature for people to step up and help each other.鈥�

Chief Adam said, 鈥淲e are still missing two of our brothers. Robert Luggi and Carl Charlie .....we are all family here and we all know each other. We are 亚洲天堂 Lake. We will forever wonder what may happen. The lifeblood of our community has exploded. 鈥�

He said he appreciates the help that the community has given to the Lake Babine Nation over the past couple of days and especially commended the Mennonite community for their help. 鈥淸Babine Forest Products] workers are having a tough time right now. Three people are in critical condition and Kenny Michell is fighting for his life. He is due to have another surgery this week. Derek MacDonald is still in hospital in Prince George and Steve Dominic is now talking to his wife and is asking what is happening in 亚洲天堂 Lake. I know everyone is hungry for information ... this is catastrophic ... the whole mill blew up, but I want to tell you it will take time to get any answers. I know Violet and Ben Charlie Sr., and Maureen Luggi really want to know ....I want to say that we appreciate the Premier coming. It is important that we get the help we need.鈥�

亚洲天堂 Lake Band Chief Albert Gerow, also representing 亚洲天堂 Lake Native Development Corporation who have an 11 per cent ownership in the mill, said he understands people are wondering what is going to happen next. 鈥淚 see that that there is two candles of hope burning for our missing loved ones and  I think we should light another candle of hope that Babine Forest Products will be rebuilt.鈥�

Chief Adam requested that parents of missing Carl Charlie, Violet and Ben Charlie Sr. come up to light the candle with Premier Clark. With tears in their eyes, and holding each other, the Charlie鈥檚 made their way up to the front of the crowded hall to light the candle. In silence they lit the candle, Premier Clark hugged them and offered words of condolence, before they moved back to their seats.

Wet鈥檚uwet鈥檈n First Nation Chief Karen Ogen also spoke. She said she wants the media to respect the families of the missing men. 鈥淚 don鈥檛 want them to make any statements ...... we have a strong faith in God and we believe in miracles. I want the whole community to believe with us. We have to believe that they are going to come home. We are not going to give up hope.鈥�

After the meeting wrapped up the Premier spent half an hour talking to the Babine Forest Products employees, hugging them and offering her condolences.