Two British Columbians among dead following tragedy at CFB Wainwright

Two British Columbians are among four Canadian Armed Forces members killed after a rapidly spreading fire swept through a military training exercise at CFB Wainwright in Alberta on Saturday.

Private Aidan Goulding of North Vancouver and Private Hayden Lykkemark of Langley were identified Monday as two of the soldiers who lost their lives in the October 17 tragedy, which also left 39 soldiers injured.

Both men served with the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry.

Speaking in the House of Commons on Monday, Prime Minister Mark Carney said the soldiers were conducting live-fire exercises alongside Army Reserve members when strong winds caused a fire burning in the training area to spread rapidly.

"A fire was burning in the training area. Driven by ferocious winds, the fire jumped nearly a kilometre in less than a minute to where soldiers were gathered," Carney said.

The cause of the fire remains unknown.

Carney paid tribute to the four soldiers, sharing personal details about their lives and the impact they had on those around them.

Goulding, 23, was remembered as someone who met challenges with humour and willingly helped fellow soldiers.

"Private Goulding met every hardship with a joke, and when others struggled, he shouldered more than his share without ever being asked," Carney said.

Lykkemark, from Langley, was known for his ability to lift the spirits of those around him and had hoped to pursue a career in law enforcement.

"Private Lykkemark was known for his gift for lightening a hard day," Carney said.

He was also close friends with Private Shaun Farrell of Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, who was killed in the same incident. Carney said the two were best friends and were rarely seen apart.

The fourth soldier killed was Sergeant Morgan Wong of Edmonton, Alberta, a member of the Loyal Edmonton Regiment who had previously served in Latvia and was preparing for another deployment to Europe.

"These were sons, brothers, partners, and friends. Young men with bright futures who chose to serve our country and who died in that cause," Carney said.

Langley community mourns local soldier

Tributes have begun pouring in for Lykkemark, whose death has struck the Langley community.

BC Conservative candidate for Langley-Abbotsford Harman Bhangu shared a tribute on X Monday, remembering Lykkemark as a young man who grew up in the community, played high school rugby, and enlisted in the military shortly after graduating.

"Langley is grieving Private Hayden Lykkemark, one of four soldiers killed in the fire at CFB Wainwright," Bhangu wrote.

"The friends who served beside him say he was the one who could make a long day feel lighter."

Bhangu also expressed condolences to Lykkemark's family and the families of the other soldiers killed.

"I keep thinking about his family. No parent should ever get that call," he wrote. "To Hayden's loved ones, Langley stands with you."

Others shared messages of condolences online, including one social media user who said Lykkemark had been friends with her daughter's longtime boyfriend and that they had graduated just last year.

Lykkemark, 19, was also remembered by his former rugby coach at Langley Secondary School as someone who brought his teammates together.

Speaking to The Canadian Press, Trevor Plater, who coached Lykkemark during his senior year, said his teammates and classmates all considered him a close friend.

“He's always looking out for everybody. He wasn't necessarily somebody who talked a lot but he had a big impact when he did and he was always listening and paying attention,” Plater told The Canadian Press.

Plater described Lykkemark as “a wonderful kid” who led by example and made everyone feel connected to the team.

Former teammate Kane Lewis, who organized an online fundraiser for Lykkemark's family, said the two joined the military at the same time and completed basic training in the same platoon.

“That’s where he became more than just a friend; he became a brother. He was always looking out for everyone and always kept himself in check,” Lewis wrote on the fundraiser page.

The fundraiser has raised more than $20,000 as of Monday.

Poilievre recalls meeting North Vancouver soldier

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, whose federal riding of Battle River—Crowfoot includes CFB Wainwright, visited the community Monday, laying a wreath in honour of the fallen soldiers and meeting with local organizations supporting those affected by the tragedy.

Speaking to the House of Commons by video link, Poilievre said he had personally met Goulding, describing the 23-year-old as "strong, handsome, polite" and a "real gentleman."

Poilievre also expressed shock and sadness over the tragedy, saying he thought of the soldiers' families when he first learned what had happened.

North Vancouver—Capilano MP Braeden Caley also paid tribute to Goulding, noting his family's personal connection to the soldier's regiment.

“North Vancouver has lost one of its own. Private Aidan Goulding of 3rd Battalion PPCLI, a regiment my Dad served in decades ago, was among the lives lost at CFB Wainwright,” Caley wrote in a post on X. “Canada’s thoughts are with the Goulding family and the loved ones of all impacted by this tragedy."

BC leaders offer condolences

BC NDP leader David Eby and BC Conservative leader Lorne Doerkson also expressed condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers.

Eby acknowledged the deaths of Goulding and Lykkemark, calling on British Columbians to support their grieving families.

“In this moment of profound heartbreak, as British Columbians and Canadians, let’s wrap our arms around their families, supporting them and joining in the mourning of this horrible tragedy,” Eby said in a post on X.

Doerkson also paid tribute to all four soldiers, recognizing their service and expressing support for those injured.

“These young men, two of whom were from BC, served their nation with courage and distinction,” Doerkson said in a post on X. “My thoughts are also with everyone who was injured, their loved ones, and all the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces who are grieving the loss of their comrades today.”

The Canadian Forces National Investigation Service is leading an investigation into the incident, with support from the RCMP.

According to Carney, approximately 50 investigators are on the ground working to determine what happened.

Several injured soldiers remain in critical condition, while others face lengthy recoveries.

The federal government has deployed military mental health teams, chaplains, and liaison officers to support affected soldiers and their families.

Carney said the soldiers had been preparing to join the Canadian Armed Forces' Global Response Task Force, which can deploy internationally on short notice, including in support of NATO operations in Latvia.

The House of Commons observed a moment of silence Monday to honour the four soldiers.

"To the families who have lost a loved one: your loss is Canada's loss. We share your sorrow," Carney said. "We will honour them always."