Bay of Quinte MP Chris Malette presents Isik with a certificate of thanks in Ottawa for his lifesaving efforts on Hwy. 401 near Trenton earlier this year during a fiery 17-car pileup. /Malette Facebook photo
A Mississauga man who’s been hailed as a “true hero” for helping hurt and stranded motorists in last month’s fiery 17-vehicle pileup on Hwy. 401 near Trenton was honoured at Parliament Hill in Ottawa Monday by Bay of Quinte MP Chris Malette.
“Last month, during a whiteout and a burning 17-vehicle pileup on Hwy. 401 near Trenton, Isik ran toward danger,” said Malette, adding he was honoured to meet Isik and recognize him for his “heroic actions” through a certificate ceremony and then pay tribute to civilian rescuer in the House of Commons Monday. (Isik has declined to share his last/family name publicly.)
From helping stranded motorists to safety, to helping a woman whose Dodge Durango was engulfed in flames before emergency crews arrived and carrying injured passengers out of harm’s way – and even helping to shovel others out after the wreckage – Malette described Isik as “a true hero” while reflecting on Isik’s selflessness that shone through the wreckage back on the highway on Jan. 27, 2026.
Malette – like so many others touched by the stories of Isik’s courage and bravery that day – told MBC his team had been trying to get in touch with Isik for a while to find a way to honour him and last week managed to learn he was coming to Ottawa for an appointment.
“He was (originally) invited by the Turkish Embassy, and so he had an opportunity to meet with the ambassador yesterday morning, which I’m sure was quite an honour for him,” said Malette, in a Tuesday interview.
Afterwards, he came by Parliament Hill and Malette’s team got him signed in on a guest pass, and Malette gave him a tour, presented him with a certificate of thanks and introduced Isik to fellow MPs and ministers.
“It was the first time I had met this gentleman … you hear the stories of a reluctant hero, and this guy is absolutely it,” Malette told MBC.
Malette also had a chance to recognize Isik and share some of his story through a special announcement in the House of Commons, which made for a touching moment.
Reflecting back on the pileup on Hwy. 401, Malette acknowledged just how dangerous this stretch of Hwy. 401 can be. And it’s rare to see someone like Isik in an instance like this – outside of first-responders who don’t get enough credit for tackling bad weather and/or crashes on the regular, noted Malette, who prior to politics also served decades in journalism.
“It was imperative that this man’s actions be applauded,” continued Malette. “In the face of danger, Isik placed the safety of others before his own, showing extraordinary courage and integrity.
“His selflessness reflects the very best of Canadian values.”
You can read our earlier coverage here.
Written by Sarah Hyatt
Isik (Isaac)
