Canadian leaders are remembering the four Canadian Armed Forces members killed in Saturday’s fire at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright, as the injured face recovery and investigators work to establish what happened.
Addressing the House of Commons on Monday morning, Prime Minister Mark Carney said army reservists were conducting live-fire exercises in a training area when strong winds drove the flames toward the soldiers. Four members died and 39 were injured.
The cause of the fire has not been established. Carney told MPs that the Canadian Forces National Investigation Service was investigating with RCMP support. He said 50 investigators were working at the scene and that the federal government would provide the resources needed to complete the investigation thoroughly and quickly.
Carney paid tribute to the four members who died, reflecting on their character, ambitions and commitment to military service.
Pte. Aidan Goulding, from North Vancouver, B.C., served with the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry. Carney described him as someone who responded to hardship with humour and stepped forward to help his colleagues.
Pte. Shaun Farrell, from Prince Albert, Sask., served in the same battalion. He was remembered as a loyal friend and earned the nickname “Grand Master of Chess.” Carney said Farrell intended to pursue a military career.
Pte. Hayden Lykkemark, from Langley, B.C., also served with the battalion. Carney recalled his quick wit and ability to raise others’ spirits. Lykkemark hoped to work in law enforcement and was close friends with Farrell, Carney said.
Sgt. Morgan Wong, from Edmonton, served with the Loyal Edmonton Regiment. He had served alongside NATO allies in Latvia and was preparing for another tour in Europe. Carney said Wong’s family remembered his willingness to help people in need.
“These were sons, brothers, partners, friends,” the Prime Minister stated. “Young men with bright futures who chose to serve our country and who died in that cause. We will honour them always.”
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre also paid tribute to the four soldiers, recalling his meeting with Goulding at an event before the fire.
Poilievre said Goulding was among a group of enthusiastic young soldiers who approached him for a photograph as he was leaving. The encounter stayed with him because of the soldiers’ commitment to serving their country, he said.
“Aren’t we lucky? Aren’t we blessed that in the prime of their life, these youngsters would put it all on the line to keep us safe?” he said.
After news of the fire emerged, Poilievre said he hoped none of the soldiers he had met had been caught up in the incident. He later received a copy of the photograph, with Goulding identified, and learned the 23-year-old had died.
Poilievre described Goulding as strong, polite and a gentleman. He also relayed his mother’s recollection of an exceptional athlete and natural leader who pursued his goals with passion.
The Conservative leader also reflected on the loss experienced by the families of Farrell, Wong and Lykkemark, describing the soldiers as courageous young men who had given their lives in service to Canada.
“Every military family knows what that knock means,” Poilievre said. “Every serving member knows that when they leave each morning, they might not come back.”
Injured soldiers face long recovery
Carney told MPs that some of the 39 injured members remained in critical condition, while others faced lengthy and difficult recoveries.
Poilievre provided a more detailed breakdown of the injured during his remarks. He said 19 patients were in life-threatening condition, eight were stable in hospital and 12 were receiving outpatient treatment.
He warned that soldiers with severe burns could require weeks or months of intensive care and face lasting changes to their lives.
Emergency responders and community praised
Emergency personnel, health-care workers and Wainwright residents were among those recognized for their response to the fire.
Carney said military and civilian crews battled the blaze in difficult conditions. STARS Air Ambulance crews travelled from Edmonton and Saskatoon, while paramedics, nurses and doctors in Wainwright, Edmonton, Red Deer and Calgary worked to treat the injured.
The federal government was co-ordinating assistance for the injured, their families and other military personnel affected by the incident, Carney said.
He said the minister of national defence was in Wainwright with the soldiers’ commanders. The minister of emergency management was in Edmonton working with Alberta’s minister of public safety and emergency services at the provincial emergency operations centre.
Carney thanked Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and the provincial government for their co-operation. He also acknowledged health-care workers and premiers from across Canada who had offered assistance.
Wainwright residents were also supporting military families and emergency crews by providing food and accommodation and donating blood, Carney said.
King Charles sends condolences
King Charles III and Queen Camilla issued a statement Sunday night expressing their condolences following the tragedy.
The King said he and the Queen were “greatly shocked and saddened” to learn of the incident at CFB Wainwright.
“Our deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences are with the families and loved ones of those who have lost their lives, and with all those who have been injured or otherwise affected at this most difficult time,” the statement read.
The statement also recognized the work of military and civilian emergency responders and health-care workers, and expressed support for people in Alberta, members of the Canadian Armed Forces and their families.
