THUNDER BAY – Political leaders from across Ontario have reacted with sadness after learning that the Finnish Labour Temple was devastated by fire.
Indigenous Services Minister Patty Hajdu, also the MP for Thunder Bay-Superior North, was among the first elected officials to react.
“My heart goes out to the community. A cultural icon that was steeped in the history of our region. An irreplaceable loss. I will always treasure my memories of this place where so many people gathered to share their lives,” Hajdu tweeted on Thursday morning.
Ontario Minister of Natural Resources Greg Rickford also responded on social media.
“(A) tragic moment in Thunder Bay and the northwest with news of the @finlandiaclub and Hoito on fire last evening – thoughts for the community on the impact to this iconic club and history – take good care,” Rickford wrote.
Ontario premier Doug Ford also expressed his condolences, though his first attempt included #NorthBay a mistake he quickly corrected.
“Very said to learn about this devastating fire. Thank you to all the first responders who acted quickly. My thoughts go out to all of those affected in #ThunderBay,” Ford tweeted.
Liberal Leader Steven Del Duca also weighed in on Twitter.
“Very sorry to see the Finnish Labour Temple in Thunder Bay on fire tonight. I hope they are able to save this iconic building, and my thoughts are with the community tonight,” Del Duca said.
NDP MPP Judith Monteith-Farrell (Thunder Bay-Atikokan), also expressed sorrow at the city's loss.
"#tbay has experienced a significant cultural loss - this evening the historic Finnish Labour Temple is in flames. Thank you to the first responders -- firefighters, police (and) EMS working in this cold weather. My thoughts are with those whose hearts are broken tonight," she tweeted.
At the local level, Northwood Coun. Shelby Ch’ng was among those to express shock at the fire.
“I’m so sad for our community right now. Such a tragic loss of architecture, history and culture,” Ch’ng wrote on her Instagram account.
Thunder Bay Fire Rescue Chief Greg Hankkio will address the media about the fire on Thursday afternoon.
