Plane Incident Prompts Premier To Call Off Trip

Plane Incident Prompts Premier To Call Off Trip

Friday, May 18, 2007 at 15:37

Premier Lorne Calvert, a few MLA’s and their staff were left a little shaken after a rough take-off from Regina to La Ronge last night.

They were on their way to the North for today’s announcement on the Northern Overtime Exemption.

Northern Affairs Minister Joan Beatty says shortly after lift-off, an emergency landing was initiated after smoke filled the cabin of their plane.

West Wind Aviation was the company chartered to fly the politicians to La Ronge. Spokesman Chris Tabler says they don’t know exactly what caused the smoke, but the incident is under investigation.

No one was injured in the incident, and Tabler says all emergency procedures and protocols were followed exactly.

Beatty says two weary passengers, including the premier, decided to stay grounded after the ordeal.

The rest of the entourage arrived safely in La Ronge early this morning.