Prime Minister Harper issued a statement of condolence to the families and colleagues of the Canadian soldiers killed in Afghanistan on Saturday and praised the four men for "their selfless contribution to Canada."

"This morning I learned that four Canadian soldiers had made the ultimate sacrifice in Afghanistan," Harper said in a statement.

"These men were working to bring security, democracy, self-sufficiency and prosperity to the Afghan people, and to protect Canadians' national and collective security. "

Prime Minister Stephen Harper said that he is 'proud of the work they've done' to defend their country. (Canadian Press)
Prime Minister Stephen Harper said that he is 'proud of the work they've done' to defend their country. (Canadian Press)

The four were killed when a roadside bomb blasted their G-wagon light-armoured vehicle, 75 kilometres north of the coalition base in Kandahar. It was the deadliest attack on Canadians in Afghanistan in four years.

"Canada's mission in Afghanistan faces significant risks such as this daily," Harper said. "I am proud of the work that is being done there and the men and women who put their lives on the line every day to do it."

The men have been identified as Cpl. Matthew Dinning, Bombardier Myles Mansell, Cpl. Randy Payne and Lieut. William Turner. Mansell and Turner were reservists.

"They did not die in vain. They will be remembered," Defence Minister Gordon O'Connor told reporters in Ottawa.