GTA residents mourn Tai Po fire victims, express solidarity with survivors and families, and call for justice

Community members in Markham gathered to pay tribute to victims of the deadly Hong Kong high rise fire.

Hundreds of people came together in the Greater Toronto Area this weekend to collectively mourn the victims of a deadly fire in Hong Kong’s Tai Po District, show support for survivors and affected families, and call for justice.

The blaze broke out on Nov. 26 at Wang Fuk Court housing complex, killing 159 people, injuring 79, and displacing more than 4.000 others. Dozens of people are still unaccounted for. The victims range in age from 1 to 97, officials have said.

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In total, eight buildings in the public housing complex were engulfed in flames.

There are reports that construction scaffolding net and foam insulation being used to repair the buildings were both highly flammable and did not meet safety standards, causing the fire to rapidly spread.

The complex’s fire safety equipment, notably alarms and hoses, also reportedly failed.

Local authorities have since arrested and charged several people in connection with the deadly fire. A separate corruption investigation is also now underway.

On Saturday afternoon, Canada-Hong Kong Link, City State Legacy, and Toronto Hong Kong Parent Group organized a memorial at North York Memorial Community Hall.

Attendees laid flowers at a memorial display and posted messages of support and solidarity. They also signed an open petition calling for a full, independent investigation into the causes of the Tai Po fire and the systemic failures that contributed to the devastating loss of life.

Former Tai Po District Coun. Paul Chow, a former firefighter in Hong Kong who initiated the petition spoke at the gathering, alongside Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, Willowdale Coun. Lily Cheng, Willowdale MP Ali Ehsassi, and former Hong Kong legislator Fernando Cheung and former Tai Po District Coun. Max Wu.

“Hong Kong today is little different from other cities under the Chinese Communist Party, which puts ‘maintaining stability’ first, disaster relief second. Truth, accountability, and justice are even harder to come by,” organizers wrote in a joint statement.

“Without democracy and freedom, even the most fundamental human right, the right to life, cannot be protected.”

On Sunday afternoon, a moment of silence for the victims and families impacted by the tragedy was held at Markham Civic Centre.

A number of political leaders and dignitaries attended the quiet time of remembrance, which ran from about 3 to 5:15 p.m.

During the solemn, non-partisan gathering, attendees could light an electronic candle, lay flowers, and leave messages of support. Trained counsellors were also on hand to provide support.