The death of a Canadian soldier during a training exercise on a southern Manitoba base Saturday appears to be related to a 'medical condition,' according to Defence Minister Jason Kenney.

Kenney told reporters on Monday that Pte. Kirby Tott felt ill during a regular training exercise at Canadian Forces Base Shilo, which involved digging a trench.

Kenney said an ambulance was called to the base, which is located about 35 kilometres east of Brandon, Man., and Tott was taken to hospital where he was declared dead.

"It appears to have been related to a medical condition, that is to say, it was not a direct result of training accident," said Kenney.

"We express obviously our condolences to our comrades, his family and his friends for that loss," he added.

The Department of National Defence said Saturday that an investigation has been launched and an autopsy will be conducted.

Tott joined the Canadian Forces in 2012 as a reservist with the Rocky Mountain Rangers in Prince George, B.C., where he grew up.