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The proud, young Canadian soldier killed today in Afghanistan brought the total to 119 since Canadian Troops deployment to that country.

Pte. Alexandre Peloquin was killed on June 8, 2009, when an explosive device detonated during a foot patrol in the Panjwai District. (Department of National Defence

Kandahar Airfield Afghanistan— Another young proud Canadian Soldier was killed this morning, when an explosive device detonated in a hotbed of insurgency, will on foot patrol south-west of Kandahar City.

Pet. Alexander Peloquin was evacuated, by Helicopter to the Multinational Medical Facility at Kandahar Airfield, were he seccumbed to his injuries.

Brig-Gen Jonathan Vance,Commander of Canadian Troops in Kandahar,said “our toughts and prayers are with the family, and friends of our fallen comrade, during this very difficult time,while our ultimate goal, remains to leave Afghanistan to Afghans, in a country that is better governed, more peaceful, and more secure, let’s not  consider the tragic death of our Soldiers, as a failure of our mission, as this is precisely what our enemy is counting on.

“Our collective efforts here are making a noticeable difference in helping Afghans reclaim their lives from oppression and deplorable living conditions.”

Peloquin, a member of 3rd battalion, Royal 22nd Regiment Battle Group, was serving with the 2nd battalion of the Quebec-based regiment in the volatile Panjwaii District.

“The battle group was involved in six days of magnificent work,” Vance said in a prepared statement. “They removed material for hundreds of IEDs (improvised explosive devices). Fifteen IEDs were taken out of circulation today. The local population is extremely happy and wants us to continue. Pte. Peloquin was part of a successful operation, and he contributed to that success today.”

No one else was hurt in the blast, which occurred around 9:20 a.m., Kandahar time.

Peloquin is survived by his mother, Monique.

Read the full story: By Craig Pearson, Canwest News ServiceJune 8, 2009

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan — A 20-year-old Canadian soldier was killed Monday morning on a foot patrol when an explosive device detonated in a hotbed of insurgency south-west of Kandahar City.

Pte. Alexandre Peloquin was evacuated by helicopter to the Multinational Medical Facility at Kandahar Airfield, where he succumbed to his injuries.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of our fallen comrade during this very difficult time,” said Brig.-Gen. Jonathan Vance, commander of Canadian troops in Kandahar. “While our ultimate goal remains to leave Afghanistan to Afghans, in a country that is better governed, more peaceful, and more secure, let’s not consider the tragic death of our soldiers as a failure of our mission as this is precisely what our enemy is counting on.

“Our collective efforts here are making a noticeable difference in helping Afghans reclaim their lives from oppression and deplorable living conditions.”

Peloquin, a member of 3rd battalion, Royal 22nd Regiment Battle Group, was serving with the 2nd battalion of the Quebec-based regiment in the volatile Panjwaii District.

“The battle group was involved in six days of magnificent work,” Vance said in a prepared statement. “They removed material for hundreds of IEDs (improvised explosive devices). Fifteen IEDs were taken out of circulation today. The local population is extremely happy and wants us to continue. Pte. Peloquin was part of a successful operation, and he contributed to that success today.”

No one else was hurt in the blast, which occurred around 9:20 a.m., Kandahar time.

Peloquin is survived by his mother, Monique.

“Pelo, as named by his friends, was a strong man, remarkably fit and very courageous,” Vance said. “Right from the beginning of his career, his friends and instructors recognized in this young and courageous man the qualities of a good soldier. His family and friends should be very proud of him — and so should all Canadians, for he represented the very best of Canada.”

Peloquin’s death brings to 119 the number of Canadian fatalities in Afghanistan since Canada joined military operations there in February 2002.

He is the first Canadian to die in Afghanistan since Maj. Michelle Mendes, 30, was found dead in her accommodation room at Kandahar Airfield on April 24, from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Karine Blais, 21, was the last Canadian killed by enemy activity, after the light-armoured vehicle she was travelling in hit a roadside bomb April 13. Four other Canadian soldiers were wounded in that blast

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