Mother of mauling victim presses Yukon for safety research

The mother of a man who was mauled to death by a grizzly bear in the Yukon last year visited the territory this week, calling on the territorial government to invest in bush safety research.

Ginette Chamberland, the mother of Jean-François Pagé, travelled from Quebec to meet with Yukon Premier Dennis Fentie, the Yukon Workers' Compensation, Health and Safety Board, and Aurora Geosciences Ltd., her son's former employer.

Pagé was staking mining claims for Aurora Geosciences in the bush near Ross River in April 2006, when he was attacked by a grizzly sow. At the time, RCMP said the sow probably attacked the 28-year-old when he came within five metres of the bear den, in order to protect its two cubs.

Earlier this year, the compensation board laid negligence charges against Aurora Geosciences in connection to Pagé's death. The court case was due to unfold next week, but has been postponed to the new year.

But in a French interview with Radio-Canada, Chamberland said the family does not want to get involved in the legal battle, nor does it want to lay blame. What does matter, she said, is that others don't experience similar tragedies.

Chamberland said she believes Pagé was well-prepared to work in the bush. She asked the government to invest in research that could further understanding of animal behaviour and wilderness safety.

She said she also wants more emphasis on bush safety awareness, but added that the responsibility for safety extends beyond government and includes employers and all Yukoners.

As for the coming trial, Chamberland said, she hopes it will be finished quickly so that her son can rest in peace.