ABBOTSFORD, B.C. - Osama bin Laden's death provides a "measure of justice" for the families of the 24 Canadians who were killed in the 9-11 terrorist attacks that the slain al Qaida leader masterminded, according to Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

Harper made a statement after United States President Barack Obama woke up the world to confirm U.S. Forces had killed Bin Laden earlier Sunday in a firefight in Pakistan.

"On Sept. 11, 2001, 24 Canadians were murdered in the al-Qaida attack on the World Trade Center," Harper said. "The death of al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden, reported today (Sunday) by President Obama, secures a measure of justice for these Canadians and their families."

But Harper was quick to warn, bin Laden's death does not mean an end to the threat of international terrorism.

"Sadly, others will take his place," he said. "Canada receives the news of the death of Osama bin Laden with sober satisfaction.

"We will continue to stand firm with our allies against the threat of global terrorism."

Harper made his statement at 12:30 a.m. Pacific Time. He had been waiting until after Obama addressed the nation with the news.

Bin Laden, al-Qaida's leader, had eluded the western allies for nearly a decade since the 9-11 terrorism attacks in the U.S., which he reportedly masterminded.

As the news broke, it spread like wildfire at local bars and eateries in Vancouver, with strangers excitedly sharing the news from table to table.

"I almost forgot about him," said 20-year-old Steph Kalacis, who rated the news as a +30 out of 10. "It's huge. Everyone is talking about it. We're all wired up. Social media is out of control. The news is spreading like crazy."

Others said they hoped this would put to end the so-call war on terrorism.

"We've got our own wars to fight on our own soil," said 48-year-old Joan, who asked to be identified by her first name only. "It was interesting but it's done, over."

--With files by Erica Bulman.