"On behalf of the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Forces, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Corporal Brendan Anthony Downey who died yesterday. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time.

Corporal Downey, a Military Policeman, was deployed at a Theatre Support Element (TSE) in the Gulf Region to provide aviation technical and logistics support services to Joint Task Force Afghanistan.

This United Nations-mandated mission is a challenging one, but the Government of Canada and its allies are committed to helping the Afghan people achieve peace and stability after decades of war.

Corporal Downey was a fine soldier and his efforts will not be forgotten."

Corporal Downey was a Military Policeman from the Military Police Detachment in Dundurn, Saskatchewan.

Contacts:Information: 1-866-377-0811After hours: 613-792-2973www.forces.gc.ca