Newfoundland and Labrador will honour the 17 people killed this month when an offshore oil helicopter crashed into the Atlantic Ocean, Premier Danny Williams said Wednesday.

Responding to the speech from the throne in the legislature, Williams said the government will mark an event he said is "weighing heavily on each and every one of us."

A Cougar Helicopters aircraft crashed on March 12, minutes after the crew reported mechanical troubles. It had been ferrying workers to two platforms working in the offshore oil industry. Only one passenger survived.

"At the appropriate time and in the appropriate way, Mr. Speaker, we will be honouring those who lost their lives with a permanent memorial," Williams told the house of assembly.

The speech opened with a tribute to the passengers of the flight.