Canadian soldier dead, shot during live-fire exercise at Alberta base
Military police are in charge of investigation, National Defence Department says
A Canadian soldier died after being shot during a live-fire training exercise at CFB Wainwright late Friday, according to the Department of National Defence.
The soldier was shot during an exercise at the base in Wainwright, Alta., at about 10 p.m. on Friday, the department said in a statement on Saturday. Wainwright is about 200 kilometres southeast of Edmonton.
The soldier was treated and first transported to hospital in Wainwright and was then flown to hospital in Edmonton, where they died early Saturday morning, the department said.
The exercise was suspended and an investigation is underway. A spokesperson confirmed that military police are in charge of the investigation, and said that about 700 people are based at CFB Wainwright.
Gen. Jonathan Vance, chief of the defence staff, said on Twitter that the soldier's name will be released once family members are notified. He offered condolences to family and friends, as well as to the 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group, 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry and the Royal Westminster Regiment.
“On behalf of all ranks of the CAF, I offer my condolences to the family and friends of our fallen soldier as well as to 1CMBG, 3PPCLI and the Royal Westminster Regiment. We will release his name once all family are notified.” JV
—@CDS_Canada_CEMDVance said the soldier is male, but the Department of National Defence has yet to confirm the identity.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shared condolences to the family on social media on Saturday.
Tragically, a member of the Canadian Armed Forces lost their life during a training exercise in Wainwright, Alberta. Our hearts go out to their loved ones and <a href="https://twitter.com/CanadianForces?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CanadianForces</a> colleagues. Know that we are mourning with you and are here to support you during this difficult time.
—@JustinTrudeauDefence Minister Harjit Sajjan also extended his sympathies to the family.
My thoughts are with the family and friends of the Canadian Armed Forces' member who we tragically lost in a training accident in Wainwright, Alberta. We will be there to support the family during this difficult time. The <a href="https://twitter.com/CanadianForces?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CanadianForces</a> have started a thorough investigation.
—@HarjitSajjan