OTTAWA, ONTARIO -- (Marketwire) -- 07/03/09 -- It is with great sadness that my husband, Jean-Daniel Lafond, and I learned of the death of Corporal Nicholas Bulger, killed when an anti-personnel mine detonated near his armoured vehicle while on patrol in the Zhari District, south-west of Kandahar.

Corporal Bulger and five of his colleagues who were wounded during the tragic incident are members of the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, based at Canadian Forces Base Edmonton.

Aware of the dangers that are a daily reality in Afghanistan, but armed with extraordinary selflessness and determination, Corporal Bulger spared no effort to help the people of Afghanistan, who rightfully aspire to security, justice and equality. We salute his dedication, sense of duty and tremendous courage.

We join all Canadians in offering our sincerest condolences to Corporal Bulger's family, friends, fellow members of the Canadian Forces, and all those who are grieving this loss. Our thoughts are also with our wounded soldiers, to whom we wish a speedy recovery.

Let us all remember the qualities that made Corporal Bulger a Canadian who embodied the true spirit of humanity.

Michaelle Jean