'This is our team': Sask. MLAs offer condolences for Humboldt

Saskatchewan MLAs came together in the legislature Monday not for question period, or to talk of the budget, but to offer their condolences for those affected by the Humboldt bus crash. 

A motion of condolence was filed in the assembly. Politicians in the house took turns making remarks, some tearful, about the collision that killed 15 people associated with the Humboldt Broncos junior hockey team and sent 14 more to hospital.

Premier Scott Moe travelled to Humboldt this past weekend and attended a vigil at the arena the hockey team called home.

He called the collision the most unimaginable tragedy faced by the province. 

In his address, he read the names of the victims and their hometowns. He also spoke of player Logan Boulet, who passed away after signing an organ donor card only weeks before.

'This is our team'

"Mr, Speaker, all of us are so proud of Logan," Moe said

"This is our team. The Humboldt Broncos. This is our community Mr. Speaker. The city of Humboldt. Compassionate. Tough. Resilient. And united," he told the assembly, his voice shaking, as some in the benches behind him wiped their eyes.

Both he and NDP Opposition leader Ryan Meili wore 'We are Humboldt Strong' shirts in the assembly.

Meili spoke of a widely-shared photo posted on social media, showing three surviving players in hospital holding hands. 

"That to me symbolizes so much of what we're all going through," he said. 

"Every one of us is wounded. Every one of us is grieving and we're reaching out to each other for strength and support."

Those in the assembly thanked the medical staff who response to Friday's collision and offered gratitude for the outpouring of support from across North America.

Moe also pledged mental health and other supports for the community of Humboldt and the affected families. 

Absent from Monday's proceedings was Humboldt-area MLA and Finance Minister Donna Harpauer. She will deliver her budget address on Tuesday along with a tribute to the team. 

The tradition of the finance minister unveiling a new pair of shoes the day before tabling the upcoming budget was cancelled. 

The flags atop the legislature will fly at half-mast for 15 days, as ordered by Moe to represent each of the lives lost.