‘United in grief’: House of Commons holds moment of silence over Wainwright tragedy

The House of Commons held a moment of silence today over a deadly fire at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright that left four Canadian soldiers dead and sent dozens to hospital with injuries.

Prime Minister Mark Carney says members of Parliament are “united in grief” over a tragedy that touches every corner of the country.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, whose Alberta riding includes the base where the fire struck, says soldiers at the scene ran toward the danger to help their comrades.

Soldiers of the 3rd Battalion of Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry and members of the Army Reserve were training with live munitions for overseas deployment on Saturday when the incident occurred.

Strong winds swept up a grass fire and spread it across the training ground at a rapid clip, sending 39 to hospital and leaving at least 19 in critical condition.

The Canadian Forces National Investigation Service is conducting a probe into what caused the fire.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 19, 2026.