Canada in Afghanistan

[John McGillivray]

Canadian soldier killed during weapons training
CTV.ca News Staff

Date: Saturday Feb. 13, 2010 8:01 AM ET

The body of the latest Canadian soldier killed in Afghanistan began the journey home Saturday after a solemn ramp ceremony at Kandahar Air Field.

Cpl. Joshua Caleb Baker was killed in a training accident northeast of Kandahar City around 5 p.m. local time Friday.

The military has not released many details about Baker's death except to say it happened during a routine training exercise.

"This type of training is normal for soldiers in theatre and essential in helping them maintain high levels of expertise," Brig. Gen. Daniel Menard said.

Baker, 24, was serving with the Loyal Edmonton Regiment.

Menard said Baker had a laugh that lightened any situation.

"Joshua had a laugh rumoured to cure cancer," he said. "No matter where you were or how down you got, his laugh would find your ears and bring a smile to your face."

Baker, from Edmonton, was "an extremely positive, passionate" person, Menard said.

"He had a deep love for his family and worried constantly about them."

Four other soldiers were injured in the incident. They were taken by helicopter to the medical facility at Kandahar Airfield. They are in stable condition, the Department of National Defence said in a statement. Their names will not be released.

The Defence Department announced it will launch an investigation to determine exactly what happened.

Baker is the second Canadian soldier to die in Afghanistan this year, and the 140th killed during Canada's eight-year mission in the country.

With a report from CTV's Janis Mackey Frayer in Afghanistan and files from The Canadian Press

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