AN OPEN LETTER REGARDING THE 2011 OTTAWA STAGE COLLAPSE One year ago, at this exact moment (7:26pm,

July 17, 2011), I was underneath the roof of a collapsed stage. I truly thought my death was imminent as I attempted to outrun the falling structure. That incident changed life for myself, those around me and those that I work with on a regular basis. In some ways, those changes are positivethe things I enjoy, I enjoy so much more. I do appreciate life. In other ways, however, there is still a part of me that can't just forget the incident and move on. I've been told that I should be thankful I came out unscathed, to count my blessings and move on. Many don't realize that, when you've been a part of a situation such as that, moving on isn't a choice. As much as I want to "forgive and forget", I can never forgive those who made decisions that almost caused me my life. The utter terror that goes through one when steel, aluminum, and high-voltage electrified lighting fixtures are falling around you is complete. We move on, but forgetting isn't a voluntary option. So this year, on the anniversary of the collapse, I raise a glass to my industry co-workers who do what they do day in and day out to bring joy to others. This event has caused many of you, myself included, to question why we do what we do. We do so in the background, dressed in black, hiding in the shadows, so that the public can suspend their disbelief for a period of time and enjoy their chosen performer. However at what cost? This year, I also say SHAME ON YOU to Ontario's Ministry of Labour legal staff who shied away from their responsibility to punish the person responsible for those situations that caused the stage collapse. Despite the proof, despite the testimony, despite the evidence, and despite the results of your own investigators, you chose to avoid the duty that your profession places on you. May your family never find themselves in a similar situation only to have justice thwarted by decisions such as yours. Only then will you understand the frustration that binds us. There were two reasons why there weren't more deaths or serious injury; 1)some very smart and talented people on the technical crew who had the situational awareness to make some critical decisions at the right time, and 2) luck. It is indeed a sad situation when someone has to die or be seriously injured in order to make those in your position of influence stand up and take action. I hope with all my heart that your lack of leadership, action and direction does not contribute to a similar situation that results in death. Should that occur, may you pray to whatever deity that you hold dear to have mercy on your soul for not doing something when you had the opportunity. Since the Ottawa collapse the industry has seen a significant number of similar collapsesincluding another in Ontario which claimed the life of a Radiohead drum tech. By shying from the truth, you allow poor conditions to continue with impunity for those who create them. Shame.

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