October 18, 2026 | Canada

Tributes are pouring in across Canada for four Canadian soldiers killed in a fire at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta.

Families, fellow service members, political leaders and members of the public have expressed their deep condolences.

Four soldiers died and another 39 were injured in the tragedy on October 17, 2026. Alberta officials said at least 19 of those receiving treatment were in critical condition.

The Department of National Defence has officially released the names of the soldiers who died: Sergeant Morgan Wong, Private Shaun Farrell, Private Aidan Goulding and Private Hayden Lykkemark.

Sonia Monk, the mother of 23-year-old Aidan Goulding, spoke emotionally to Canadian media about her son's death.

She said he always told his family where he was going and reminded them how much he loved them.

After hearing about the fire, she tried repeatedly to contact him but received no response.

She said military officials arrived at her home at about 11 p.m. that night to deliver the news of his death.

Goulding had worked as a mechanic before joining the army in February 2026, motivated by a desire to serve his country.

His mother remembered him as someone who lifted other people's spirits and deeply loved his military work.

The family of Sergeant Morgan Wong also remembered his dedication to duty and willingness to help others.

Wong, 26, was from Edmonton. He had previously served in Latvia and was preparing to return to Europe.

The Loyal Edmonton Regiment Association expressed condolences to the families of the fallen and support for the injured, pledging to remember them.

Shaun Farrell was from Saskatchewan. Premier Scott Moe said the province had lost a promising young man who had chosen to serve his country.

British Columbia Premier David Eby also expressed his deep condolences over the deaths of Hayden Lykkemark and Aidan Goulding, who were from his province.

Prime Minister Mark Carney described the incident as one of the worst peacetime tragedies suffered by Canada's armed forces on Canadian soil.

He pledged continued government support for the families of those who died.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla also expressed their deepest sympathy to the families affected.

Defence Minister David McGuinty, senior Canadian military leaders and Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre were among those paying tribute.

National flags on federal government buildings across Canada have been lowered to half-mast.

The Royal Canadian Legion also announced that flags at its branches across the country would be lowered in remembrance.

Military authorities are investigating the cause of the fire.

Initial accounts indicated that strong winds drove a grass fire rapidly towards the area where the soldiers were taking part in training.

The precise cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed.

The tragedy has brought grief across Canada as people stand together in support of the soldiers' families.