Militants ambushed Canadian soldiers trying to build rapport with local Afghans in the turbulent Pashmul region Tuesday, killing a Calgary medic.

Cpl. Michael Starker, 36, a reservist with the 15 Field Ambulance Regiment, was pronounced dead in a military hospital, after coming under fire in the region's Zhari district.

As a civilian, Starker worked as a paramedic in Calgary.

"His friends would describe him as a man with a heart of a gold, as being a very great man," Calgary EMS Chief Tom Sampson told reporters, struggling at times to keep his composure.

"He was one of those individuals who brought out the very best in everyone. He would stand up when you needed somebody to stand up."

A second unidentified soldier was wounded in the ambush but is in fair condition.

Brig.-Gen. Guy Laroche, commander of Canadian troops in Afghanistan, says the wounded soldier was treated at Kandahar Airfield and was able to call his family on his own.

The soldiers were part of a civil-military co-operation unit that travels into villages to meet with Afghan locals.

"The intent was to exchange with the population -- something we could not do last year," said Laroche.

"We will maintain our presence there as long as we need to do so."

The Canadian soldiers came under fire at about 11:45 a.m. local time while on patrol in the Pashmul region, a hotly contested area since Canadian troops deployed in Kandahar.

Afghan security forces pursued the insurgents after the attack.

"There have been very few of these ambushes as of late. Most of the Canadians who have been killed in Afghanistan have been killed by roadside bombs," CTV's Paul Workman reported from Kandahar.

Laroche, who heads Canada's military mission in Afghanistan, said the army will review procedures in the wake of this incident.

"We have lost a fine soldier today and our thoughts are with his family and friends. He died helping Afghans build a better future for themselves and their children. His dedication and sacrifice will not be forgotten," the general said.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper released a statement Tuesday expressing his condolences to the family and friends of the slain soldier.

"Corporal Starker made the ultimate sacrifice and his efforts will remain a source of pride for all Canadians," said Harper.

"We take comfort in the fact that, along with our allies, we are making a difference in the daily lives of the Afghan people. We stand proudly with our Canadian Forces members and offer them our full support as they ensure the necessary security conditions for the people of Afghanistan to rebuild their country."

Canada's last death in Afghanistan came on April 4. Pte. Terry John Street -- of 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, based in Shilo, Man. -- died when a roadside bomb detonated under his vehicle in the Panjwaii district.

Tuesday's death brings Canada's total military deaths in Afghanistan to 83 since 2002.

Canada has 2,500 soldiers serving in Afghanistan. The military mission is scheduled to end in December 2011.

With files from CTV Calgary