Our Thoughts and Prayers are With the Family and Friends of Trooper Renaud

Canadian Soldier Killed and One Other Wounded in Afghanistan


At approximately 7:15 a.m. local time (in Kandahar) on January 15th, one Canadian soldier was killed when the armoured vehicle he was in struck a suspected Improvised Explosive Device (IED). One Canadian soldier was also injured.The identity of the deceased soldier is Trooper Richard Renaud, 26 years old, of the 12e Regiment blinde du Canada based in Valcartier, Quebec.The incident occurred during a presence patrol in the Arghandab District, approximately 10 km North of Kandahar city. The injured soldier was evacuated to the Multinational Medical Unit at Kandahar Airfield. The injured soldier is in good condition, has notified his family and is expected to be released from the hospital shortly.

The thoughts and prayers of the men and women of the Canadian Forces go out to the family and friends of Trooper Renaud.

Message from Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaelle Jean, Governor General of Canada, on the Death of Trooper Richard Renaud
It was with great sadness that my husband, Jean-Daniel Lafond, and I heard of the death of Trooper Richard Renaud, whose vehicle hit an improvised explosive device during a patrol north of Kandahar City.He will be sorely missed by all of his colleagues from the 12e Regiment blinde du Canada, Valcartier, where he was based.All Canadians join me in offering sincere condolences to his family and friends, who are still reeling from the shock of this news. Please know that we grieve with you during this difficult time.We also wish a full recovery to his comrade, who was injured in the same incident.Canadians know the efforts being made by our troops to bring peace, security and stability to Afghanistan, and they honour the commitment of Trooper Renaud, who gave his life for this ideal.
Michaelle Jean

Statement by the Minister of National Defence

The Honourable Peter Gordon MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, issued the following statement today on the death of a Canadian soldier in Afghanistan:"We mourn the death of Trooper Richard Renaud who died today in Afghanistan. We also extend our wishes for a prompt recovery to the soldier who was injured in the same incident. Our thoughts and prayers go out to their friends and families at this difficult time.These soldiers were participating in a patrol in Arghandab District when the vehicle they were traveling in struck an Improvised Explosive Device.I join with Canadians who stand proudly with our men and women of the Canadian Forces as they courageously risk their lives every day to bring peace and security to the people of Afghanistan. The sacrifices of these soldiers will not be forgotten and this event will not deter us from continuing to help Afghans rebuild their country."Trooper Richard Renaud was a member of the 12e Regiment blinde du Canada, 5e Groupe-brigade mecanise du Canada, based in Valcartier, Quebec.

From Military Mom

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Trooper Richard Renaud both here and overseas. He is a true inspiration and hero to all. God Bless.