A Canadian soldier has died from wounds he sustained in an IED blast in Afghanistan more than a week ago.

Cpl. Brian Pinksen, a member of 2nd Battalion, The Royal Newfoundland Regiment based in Corner Brook, N.L., was wounded while on patrol in the Panjwaii district of Kandahar province around 1:40 p.m. local time on Aug. 22.

A second soldier, whose identity has not been released, was also wounded in the incident.

Pinksen was treated in Afghanistan before being transported to Landstuhl Regional Medical Centre in Germany on Aug. 25. He died from his injuries early Monday.

Pinksen was serving in Afghanistan with 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper released a statement Monday, saying Pinksen "served Canada valiantly, and deserves the gratitude and respect of his nation."

"It is with utmost sorrow that I extend the condolences of all Canadians to the family and friends of Corporal Brian Pinksen, a brave soldier who died due to injuries sustained in Afghanistan. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you at this time of loss," Harper said.

"Canadians are grateful for his service and are proud of the contributions of all the men and women in uniform."

Governor General Michaelle Jean called Pinksen's death a "painful reminder" of the risks soldiers face daily on the battlefield.

"It also shows us the unwavering courage, sense of duty and determination of our fellow Canadians who are serving with the Canadian Forces," Jean said. "They are contributing to the efforts being jointly led by NATO member countries and under the authority of the United Nations, to support the people of Afghanistan, who aspire to equality, justice, peace and prosperity."

The Defence Department also offered condolences to Pinksen's friends and family.

"We will not forget Cpl. Pinksen's sacrifice as we continue to bring security and hope to the people of Kandahar province," the department said in a statement.

Pinksen's death is the first Canadian soldier fatality since July 20, when Sapper Brian Collier was killed by an IED while on foot patrol in Nakhonay.

The Defence Department used to notify the media when Canadian soldiers were wounded on the battlefield. In 2007, the department gave commanders the option of reporting soldiers' injuries, which they did until Brig.-Gen. Daniel Menard took command last fall.

The department now releases statistics on wounded soldiers once a year. Figures released last year show that between the date the mission began in 2002 and December 2009, 529 soldiers have been wounded and transported out of Afghanistan. Another 913 have suffered non-combat-related injuries, fallen ill or have left Afghanistan under compassionate return.

Pinksen is the 152nd soldier to die in Afghanistan since the mission began in 2002.

With files from The Canadian Press