An incident in Quebec has sparked questions and concerns over the safety and security of Canada’s military members, both on and off the base.

Soldier Patrice Vincent, 53, was killed in a hit-and-run that the public safety minister said is “linked to terrorist ideology.”

Vincent was killed and a colleague suffered minor injuries after being hit while walking through a strip mall parking lot in St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, about 50 kilometres southeast of Montreal, around 11:30 a.m. Monday.

The suspect was shot and killed by police following a brief car chase.

On Tuesday, Defence Minister Rob Nicholson addressed the issue of security.

“Rest assured that the safety and well-being of Canadian Armed Forces personnel is this government’s primary concern,” he said. “We are deeply concerned that these radical militants will inspire terrorists that will threaten Canada here and at home.”

Chief of Defence Staff General Tom Lawson echoed Nicholson’s words in his own statement.

"The safety and well-being of Canadian Armed Forces members is a primary concern. Security measures are in place at every Canadian Armed Forces installation across Canada. We continually adapt these measures to meet the demands of an evolving security environment, and we will remain vigilant against possible threats,” said Lawson.

The military wouldn’t comment specifically on security measures being taken, but the attack has raised questions about the safety of military members on Canadian soil.

“You always hope it isn’t this close to home, but I guess it is,” said one Halifax resident.

“Everybody has to be on high alert, pretty much,” said another.

Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil also weighed in on the attack, saying it was ‘a difficult time.’

“I don’t know all the details. My thoughts are just with the military personnel and their families,” said McNeil, who also serves as the provincial minister responsible for military relations.

CFB Halifax will be conducting a three-day security exercise at two locations, starting Wednesday. The exercise is routine and takes place annually.

Military officials say it has been planned over the past six months and the fact that it is taking place shortly after the incident in Quebec is simply a coincidence.

With files from CTV Atlantic's Kelland Sundahl