News Room
One Canadian soldier killed by improvised explosive device
CEFCOM NR – 10.012 - June 7, 2010
OTTAWA — One Canadian soldier was killed after an improvised explosive device detonated during a foot patrol, about 15 kilometres southwest of Kandahar City, in the Panjwayi District, at approximately 6:30 a.m. Kandahar time on 6 June 2010.
Sergeant Martin Goudreault
Killed in action was Sergeant Martin Goudreault from 1 Combat Engineer Regiment, based in Edmonton, Alberta, and was serving in Afghanistan as a member of the 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group.
All members of Task Force Afghanistan are thinking of the family and friends of the fallen soldier during this difficult time. We will not forget this soldier’s sacrifice as we continue to bring security and hope to the people of Kandahar Province.
Canada in partnership with the Afghan government and ISAF remain committed to improving the security situation in order to set the conditions for reconstruction and development in the region. Together, Afghan National Security Forces and Joint Task Force Afghanistan continue to maintain the initiative in Kandahar Province.
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Note to editors: A photograph of Sergeant Martin Goudreault is available on the Fallen Canadians page of the Department of National Defence website. Please visit http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/news-nouvelles/fallen-disparus/index-eng.asp
News Room
Statement By The Minister Of National Defence On The Death Of A Canadian Soldier In Afghanistan
NR - 10.054 - June 7, 2010
OTTAWA - The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, issued the following statement today on the death of a Canadian soldier in Afghanistan:
“On behalf of the Defence family, I extend my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Sergeant Martin Goudreault, who was killed by an improvised explosive device while investigating a suspected weapons cache.
Sergeant Martin Goudreault served to help build a safe and stable future for Afghans, and he did so with honor and pride. This tragic loss is another example of the daily risks faced by the men and women of the Canadian Forces.
Canada is in Afghanistan at the request of the democratically elected Afghan government as part of a UN-mandated, NATO-led mission. Together we are helping rebuild Afghanistan as a self-sufficient democratic society.
The Government of Canada and its international allies are committed achieving peace and stability for the Afghan people.
Sergeant Martin Goudreault’s sacrifice will not be forgotten and it will not deter us from continuing to help Afghans rebuild their country.”
Fallen Soldier
June 7, 2010
Message from Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, on the death of Sergeant Martin Goudreault
OTTAWA—It was with profound sadness that, following Canadian Forces Day, we learned that another of our soldiers has died in Afghanistan. Sergeant Martin Goudreault who was from 1 Combat Engineer Regiment, based in Edmonton, Alberta, was killed by an improvised explosive device while investigating a suspected weapons cache about 15 kilometres southwest of Kandahar. He was serving as a member of the 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group.
Yet again, we have received a cruel reminder of the dangers that daily confront our troops deployed to this troubled area of the world. We admire them all the more as their sense of duty compels them to answer their country’s call with valour, determination and incredible generosity. Sergeant Goudreault has given his all, sacrificing everything to this demanding and dangerous mission, convinced, along with the comrades he left behind, that he could help build a better future for a people who rightly aspire to freedom and security.
To his family, loved ones, friends and comrades who mourn his loss today and who always supported him, we extend our deepest condolences. May they know they are not alone, and that, like them, Canadians are saddened by this loss and stand with them during this difficult time.
Michaëlle Jean
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Media Information:
Marie-Ève Létourneau
Rideau Hall Press Office
613-998-0287
www.gg.ca
www.citizenvoices.gg.ca
Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada
7 June 2010
Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement today on the death of a Canadian soldier in Afghanistan:
“On behalf of all Canadians, I would like to offer my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Sergeant Martin Goudreault, who died yesterday in Afghanistan. This brave soldier was killed when an improvised devise exploded while he was investigating a suspected weapons cache.
“The Canadian mission in Afghanistan has many challenges, but the Canadian Forces are dedicated to making a difference in support of this United Nations-mandated, NATO-led mission.
“The lives of the Afghan people are better due to the efforts of Canadians like Sergeant Goudreault who provide security and stability. These are the cornerstones that will allow the country to rebuild and grow into the future.
“The Government of Canada and all Canadians are proud of our men and women of the Canadian Forces. Sergeant Goudreault’s sacrifice will not be forgotten.”
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