Kinew honours four soldiers killed at CFB Wainwright

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew used his Remembrance Day statement on Wednesday to remember the four soldiers killed in last month’s fire during a training exercise at CFB Wainwright in Alberta, and said the tragedy “hits close to home” in Manitoba.

Kinew named Sergeant Morgan Wong, Private Shaun Farrell, Private Aidan Goulding and Private Hayden Lykkemark, and said Manitobans also remember the soldiers “who are still fighting for their lives in hospital.”

The premier noted that the soldiers were serving with the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, whose sister battalion, the 2nd Battalion, is based at CFB Shilo near Brandon. They were preparing to deploy to Latvia, where Canadian troops serve with NATO allies to deter Russian aggression. “Their mission reflects a principle Canada has defended for generations: every nation has the right to determine its own future, and no leader gets to take that right away,” Kinew said, quoting the regiment’s motto, “No better friend, no worse enemy.”

The Oct. 17 fire killed four soldiers and injured 39. As of Nov. 9, nine soldiers remained in critical condition, according to Acute Care Alberta, as we reported this week. The military has said its board of inquiry into the fire typically takes nine to 12 months, and our earlier reporting examined satellite data that questions the military’s account.

In the statement, Kinew thanked every Canadian who has worn the uniform and every family that has shared in that service. “We owe you more than our gratitude. We owe you a commitment to defend the country you have sacrificed so much to protect,” he said, closing with “Lest we forget” and the Anishinaabemowin “Gego waniikesiidaa.”