Soldier killed, 5 injured in roadside bomb blast

Cpl. Nick Bulger became the latest Canadian soldier to be killed in Afghanistan when the light armoured vehicle he was traveling in ran over a roadside bomb on Friday. He was part of a convoy escorting Canada's top soldier in Afghanistan, who was unhurt by the blast.

CTV Edmonton: Laura Tupper on an Edmonton-based soldier killed in Afghanistan

An Edmonton-based soldier was killed Friday while travelling in a convoy with the senior commander in Afghanistan's Kandahar province.

CTV Toronto: Toronto-born soldier dies in I.E.D. blast in Afghanistan

Cpl. Nicholas Bulger died Friday in Afghanistan when his vehicle struck a roadside bomb. The blast injured five other soldiers.

CTV News Channel: Brig.-Gen. Jonathan Vance with heartfelt words on Cpl. Bulger

Bri.-Gen. Jonathan Vance said Cpl. Nicholas Bulger was passionate about the mission and that he motivated others around him.

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CTV.ca News Staff

Date: Fri. Jul. 3 2009 8:35 PM ET

A Canadian soldier travelling in a convoy carrying the senior commander in Kandahar province was killed Friday when his vehicle struck an improvised explosive device.

Cpl. Nick Bulger, 30, was a member of 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, based in Edmonton.

CTV's South Asia Bureau Chief Janis Mackey Frayer, reporting from Kabul, said security sources told her the convoy was travelling in the direction of Helmand province when the vehicle struck the IED.

Five other soldiers were hurt, but Brig.-Gen. Jonathan Vance, the Canadian who commands NATO's Task Force Kandahar, escaped injury.

A follow-up convoy also encountered trouble on that same road, Frayer reported.

The IED explosion comes the day after a major U.S. anti-Taliban offensive got underway in southern Afghanistan.

Operation "Strike of the Sword" began Thursday, with thousands of U.S. Marines venturing into Taliban strongholds in Helmand province.

The goal is to eradicate insurgents from the region before the presidential election scheduled for Aug. 20.

Canadians expected an uptick in hostilities as the U.S. surge began, Frayer said. "For the most part the U.S. military has reported been meeting very little resistance... But this is keeping in line with the usual Taliban tactics of laying low during a push and then returning."

Bulger is the third Canadian death in Afghanistan in less than a month. He leaves behind a wife, Rebeka, and two daughters.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper extended his condolences to the soldier's family and expressed "profound regret" about the death.

"Hard-won progress is being made in Afghanistan," Harper said. "Remarkable Canadians like Corporal Bulger will be remembered for their dedication and ultimate sacrifice for peace and freedom."

According to Lakefield Herald community newspaper, Bulger was born in Toronto and moved to the small town of Buckhorn, Ontario in 1985. The newspaper ran a profile of Bulger last month.

He attended Lakefield District Secondary School in Lakefield, Ontario and then went on to Sir Sanford Fleming college in Peterborough, Ontario were he earned a diploma in Fire Safety Security Management.

The Lakefield Herald also states that Bulger started basic military training in November of 2000 in Saint Jean, Quebec, underwent trades training for the infantry in Wainwright, Alberta, and then in 2001 became the rifleman and armoured vehicle driver for the First Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry in Edmonton. He took a break from the forces and returned in January 2008.

The death of Bulger brings to 121 the total number of Canadian soldiers have died as part of the Afghan mission since it began in 2002.

With files from The Canadian Press

Comments are now closed for this story

Shannon from Langley
said
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I don't know anyone in the military, I don't know anyone in Afghanistan or anywhere in the Middle East, I don't know anyone who has lost someone from this way and I'm not positive about my position on this war because I haven't done enough research.

Despite all this it truly upsets me that the news of a Canadian soldier's death gets put so far down the news story list. When this war first started it was major headline news when someone died and now it works its way in somewhere half past the newscast.

Just because it's so many years later and some many deaths later does not diminish the importance of what these brave men and women gave up for us. Shame on all the news stations for putting soldier's lives so down the list.

Sherry and Rick in Ottawa
said
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Our Condolences to his family - to his friends - to his Military Family. RIP Bro and join your forever buddies.

Deb C., Buckhorn, ON
said
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Nick
Our entire community mourns your loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family and friends. You are my hero.

Russ in Toronto
said
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I saw a soldier kneeling down,
for this was the first quiet place he had found.
He had traveled through jungles, rivers and mud.
His hands were scared and toil-warned.

He folded his hands and looked to the sky...
I saw his tears, as they welled in his eyes.
He spoke to God, and this is what he said.
God Bless my men, who now lie dead;

I know not what You have in mind,
but when You judge, please be kind....
when they come before You, they will be poorly dressed
but will walk proudly, for they have done their best.

Their boots will be muddy and their clothes all torn...
but these clothes they have so proudly worn.
Their hearts will be still and cold inside,
for they have fought their best and did so with pride.

So please take care of them as they pass Your way...
the price of freedom they've already paid.

RIP Cpl. Bulger

Beentheredonethat!
said
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R.I.P. my fellow 3rd BN Brother, you make us proud! Deepest condolences to the family. To the boys over there serving,,,,keep your chin up boys and soldier on! Canada is behind you!

righteous
said
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you'll take your spot in that hallow'd place, with our brave brothers and sisters who had laid down their lives before you...
for country, and above all each other!!

rest in peace brother!!!

Sapper 649
said
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MY sincere condolences to the family and comrades of Cpl Bulger. It is JUST War.

Elias Nasrallah
said
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Cpl. Bulger,
You have done all you can do for your country and the earth. Thank you for your service, thank you for your efforts. They are not in vain.
Rest easy now, you deserve a good rest for all the hard work you have done.

To the rest of our men and women serving around the world: STAY SAFE AND STAY LOW.....

Jo-Anne and Alan McLaren
said
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I'm so very sorry to hear this news. We live in Peterborough and our son was killed by a roadside bomb in December 2008.

We know the pain of a loss like this and wish the family of Corporal Bulger our heartfelt condolences.

Jonah
said
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"We should not grieve that such men died, but rather rejoice that such men lived."

General George Patton

WE REMEMBER THEM

At the rising of the sun and at its going down
We remember them.
At the blowing of the wind and the chill of winter
We remember them.
At the opening of the buds and in the rebirth of spring
We remember them.
At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of summer
We remember them.
At the rustling of the leaves and in the beauty of autumn
We remember them.
At the beginning of the year and when it ends
We remember them.

As long as we live, they too will live;
for they are now a part of us, as we remember them.

When we are weary and in need of strength
We remember them.
When we are lost and sick at heart
We remember them.
When we have joy we crave to share
We remember them.
When we have decisions that are difficult to make
We remember them.
When we have achievements that are based on theirs
We remember them.

As long as we live, they too will live;
for they are now a part of us, as we remember them.

Bev Mc Toronto
said
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I am so sorry to hear of the death of Cpl Nicholas Bulger. My deepest condolences to his family. He did the job that he was trained to do, however, it doesn't bring him back to his loved ones. When is enough...enough? We are losing our valuable young men and our hearts ache for them and for what their lives could have been. Yet again...Canadians cry more tears of sorrow.

darlene christianson
said
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We will remember you- thank you for your courage and your love for your country- YOU will be remembered as a true hero who gave the ultimate sacrifice
thank you

Nicole Alberta
said
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My husband is over there with Gen Vance and his crew. He wanted me to wish the family his condolences on this said day. RIP Cpl Bulger.

Rob NS
said
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Rest In Peace my Brother in Arms...you will be home soon, job well done.

Prayers go out to Family and friends.

KJ in Brampton
said
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Stand down soldier. Your tour if over. You will not be forgotten for your bravery.

CG-Edmonton
said
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My thoughts and prayers are with the Bulger family through this sad time. Stay strong cousin Steph, I'm here if you need me!!!

RIP Soldier, I'm glad to have met you. Your sacrifice will not be forgotten.

Retired Soldier in Kingston, ON
said
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From one currently retired warrior to another serving one about to be repatriated home:

"your outstanding service with an outstanding regiment has not been in vain...trust me on that one!"

To your brothers and sisters in the "profession of arms" I say:

"you all are the true heroes in a world where the word has become all too common-place! You are constantly in Canadians' thoughts and prayers"!

Last but certainly not least, a heart-felt "thank-you" to Mr. Bill Maitland, fellow Superintendants, Supervisors and fellow Fire-fighters who are the real home-grown heroes of the Toronto Fire Service!

These people constantly form the "Guard of Honour" at each one of these repatriation ceremonies at the Toronto coroner's office!

God-speed & Pro Patria!

Brittany
said
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You were an amazing person. Thank you for everything that you have done and for being a little part of all our lives. You be GREATLY missed.

Juice..
said
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Nick you were a good friend. I will really miss you buddy. I will go over and say my words to rebecca and try to help out as much as possible...

drew

Cpl in Afghanistan
said
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A brother in arms falls once again. Cpl Nicholas Bugler may you rest in peace. You have made the ultimate scarfice, and a true hero in the eyes of all. We will honour you as you take your finally journey home.

Capt Usher
said
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Cpl Bulger, I will be at your repat ceremony with 1CAV. Stand down Soldier you are coming home - you will never be forgotten - PRO PATRIA

retired CFMS lab tech
said
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Your task is done. You've done your duty. We are proud of you. Rest easy soldier, rest easy.

Jason
said
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Cpl. Nicholas Bulger...rest in peace.

LWS
said
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RIP soldier. Your ultimate sacrifice is truly appreciated and will never be forgotten. My condolences to his family and friends.

Support our Troops!

cindy-milton
said
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my son is home from his second tour in afghanistan, i know he is safe but every time i read about the loss of a soldier it makes my heart break. i can only imagine what his family is going through. they can hold on to the fact the is he a true hero who will always be remembered

Military Medic
said
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RIP Soldier! Having just returned myself from Afghanistan I know what you lived and you are a true hero about to take your last journey home. My thoughts are with your family and friends at this time. I will be there for your arrival in Trenton. Stand Proud. Stand Easy.

Carrie McLeod
said
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I grew up with Nick....i can't believe that he is gone!!!! We were just talking the other day on messenger about him coming home on his time off at the end of the month and seeing his wife and 2 little girls that he called his angels. He couldn't wait to see them!!!! I am numb over the loss....
He was a HERO and will never be forgotten!!!!

Lisa, St-�mile, Quebec
said
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Another fine Canadian soldier has gone. All my sympathies to his family and friends for this great loss. I have supported, I do support and always will support our excellent troops! They are one of our great Canadian prides. Bravo a tous nos soldats! We shall always remember Corporal Bulger.

Currently Serving Soldier
said
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"With the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember them."

Rest in Peace

Sarge
said
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REPATRIATION ROW

We Will
Never Forget
Your Ultimate
Sacrifice

Stand Down
Soldier
You Are Now
Homeward Bound

raj
said
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My hearts goes out to his family.I wish you well sir, god speed, and thank you.

Jo
said
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God Bless you Cpl Bulger. May God give the family the strength to get through this tragedy.

Marty
said
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Thank you Nicholas for serving our country and making us proud. It is people like you who are the true heroes and the ones who give hope to the world. It is not those who sell millions of records.

Gabi
said
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my condolences and my heart goes out to the family

Sarah Paige
said
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Rip hero. Thoughts and prayers go out to the family of the fallen. He is a true hero. Wishing a very speedy recovery to the five wounded.

TS
said
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I am so sorry for the families of our Canadian soldiers ...my son is also a soldier and will be returning there later this year ... as much as they believe in this mission I am sorry its not worth the lives that are being lost just ask their families

Vancouver Girl
said
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RIP dear soldier. You will never be forgotten.

Elizabeth, Ontario
said
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Sincere condolences and appeciation to this fallen soldier and his family. God Bless our troops. May Cpl Bulger's family find comfort during this most diffcult time.

DENIS LAM TORONTO ONT
said
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My respect to CPL BULGER and rest of our soldiers have been serving to protect innocent people. I am proud to be CANADIAN

Tono
said
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Whoa! There was a brigadier general in the vehicle?
I think if we ever want to have a chance of winning this war, we are going to need some serious helicopters.

How are we ever going to beat the Taliban if we keep playing Russian Roulette with one of their best weapons, the roadside bomb?

Bob Fenton Caledonia
said
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Cpl. Nicholas Bulger Thank You for your service and your sacrifice. Rest In Peace.

For Nicholas' family I offer condolences and God help you through this terrible time.

NavyBob

Denis Lam
said
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my respect to CPL BULGER and rest of our soldiers have been serving to make CANADA to be known. I am proud to be CANADIAN

David in NB
said
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RIP Soldier

Glenda Cole, Cornwall , Ontario
said
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Rest in Peace, my thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Support our Troops

marlene- ont
said
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my condolences to the family.REST IN PEACE

Retired Medic
said
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Stand easy soldier, we will see you when you get home

Norman Howe - Oshawa, Ontario
said
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Thank you for your sacrifice.
You are our hero !!

Rob - Prescott, ON
said
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May you rest in peace Cpl. Nicholas Bulger, your sacrifice will never be forgotten, and may your family make it through this terrible time comforted in the knowledge that you were serving your Country proudly and that we are very proud of your efforts on our behalf.

GCB Oromocto
said
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Sincerest condolences to the Bulger family. My heart really goes out to you and may God bless those that escaped injry.

Afghan Vet
said
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Rest In Peace Cpl Bulger. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

coopaloop
said
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terrible news.. he fell for a good cause though.

Support the troops.

Marie-Ange-Mississauga, Ontario
said
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I know this soldier's mother. She is devasted at the moment and his entire family. May he rest in peace.

Dan - Waterloo, ON
said
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My sincere condolences to the family of Cpl. Nicholas Bulger. May this soldier rest in peace. He made the ultimate sacrifice. Thank you, sir, for your hard work, dedication, and life sacrifice to serving Canada and countries beyond.