The death of Osama bin Laden has brought justice for the 24 Canadians who died on Sept. 11, 2001, Prime Minister Stephen Harper said Sunday night.

However, he added, the threat of international terrorism continues, which is why Canada remains in Afghanistan.

"Canada receives the news of the death of Osama bin Laden with sober satisfaction," Harper said in British Columbia, shortly after U.S. President Barack Obama announced Sunday that the world's most wanted terrorist had been killed in a compound in Pakistan. Bin Laden's demise ends the 10-year manhunt for the terrorist who masterminded the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in New York and Washington, D.C.

"Sadly, others will take his place," Harper said.

"This does remind us why Canadian Armed Forces personnel have been deployed to Afghanistan," he said. "Through their operations there to cut off terror at its root, our men and women in uniform have made an enormous contribution to Canadian security at home and abroad."

NDP Leader Jack Layton said he hopes the death of bin Laden "marks a turning point in the war on terrorism."

Layton also offered his party's "deep appreciation" for people in uniform who work to make the world safer.

In the past, politicians including Layton have repeatedly called for Canada to pull out of the Afghan mission.

About 950 Canadian soldiers will remain in Afghanistan after 2011 to serve as trainers, where they will teach Afghan soldiers in classrooms and on bases.

Since 2002, 155 Canadian soldiers have been killed while serving in the mission.