OTTAWA - Prime Minister Stephen Harper says he's saddened to learn of the crash of Air Algerie Flight AH 5017.
Harper says it is confirmed that Canadians are among the 110 passengers and six crew members who were on board.
Earlier reports said that five Canadians were among those on the plane, which is believed to have crashed in Mali.
The flight was headed to Algiers from the capital of Burkina Faso (Ouagadougou) when it disappeared from radar after 50 minutes after takeoff.
Harper says his thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of those who lost their lives.
And in a statement, he says Canada is in contact with authorities "and providing support on the ground as required."
France's president has said the plane most likely crashed and there have been reports that a villager in Mali saw a plane go down.
Prior to the plane's disappearance, the crew sent a message asking for a route change because of heavy rains in the area.
