Canada's soldiers are leaving Bosnia. The security situation has improved, so their peacekeeping mission is over.

In all, 40,000 Canadian soldiers served in Bosnia during the mission. The last troops left this past weekend, ending more than a decade of bringing peace and stability to a nation that was ripped apart by civil war. Canada and other countries stepped in, along with other nations to stop the ethnic slaughter.

The last regiment in Bosnia was the 12th Armoured Regiment from Valcartier, Quebec. Many of the soldiers served three, even four, tours of duty in Bosnia. "We're leaving a lot of things behind, a sense of humor, helping people as we always do," said Cpl. Gino Grenier.

"I'm glad to return because I have the sensation that I did something here," said Lieut. Josee Bilodeau.

The country they're leaving is much safer than it was in 1992 when the first peacekeepers arrived. Most of the patrolling is now done by liaison observation teams, replacing the armored patrols and the shows of force.

Soldiers now carry nothing heavier than sidearms and dozens of teams now live in private houses in local towns and villages. The Canadians call it 'peacekeeping light.'

"We're trying to pass on authority to local officials," said Cpl. Eric White. "We're here to support them, not do everything." It's often as simple as stopping at the local cafe for a cup of coffee and a chat, building up and trust and confidence.

Many Bosnians are still worried about what might happen once the peacekeepers are all gone. But Col. John Frapper said he doesn't believes there's any need for those concerns. "Sometimes we've been protectors, sometime enforcers. Now we're trying to put enforcement in the hands of the local police."

All that remains now is the mundane job of dismantling and packing up two military camps and a vast collection of support material.

The job of peacekeeping will now be taken over by a European force and a lot fewer soldiers on the ground.