Prime Minister Stephen Harper's staunch support of Canada's mission to Afghanistan showed no sign of wavering Thursday night, when he said the mounting death toll is the price Canada must pay to be a world leader.

Harper was in Calgary to receive the Woodrow Wilson Award for public service. During his speech, he said Canadians want the nation to take a clear, confident and influential role on the global stage, and they understand the dangers that go along with that.

"A Canada that doesn't just criticize, but one that can contribute," Harper said. "They want a Canada that reflects their values and interests, and that punches above its weight."

Harper also said that in addition to providing security and engaging the Taliban militarily, Canada is making a real effort to rebuild Afghanistan.

In what has become a familiar refrain from the prime minister, Harper praised Canada's 2,200 soldiers in Afghanistan and said their sacrifice is helping make the country safer.

"The Canadian men and women who serve there . . . have gone willingly, knowing that not all of them will return," he said.

In total, 39 soldiers and one diplomat have been killed in Afghanistan since 2002.

Canada's top soldier, Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Rick Hillier, just returned from a visit to Afghanistan. He told CTV'c Canada AM morale is still high among the troops despite the casualties

"They know they have the equipment to do the job. They know they're ready to do the job. They understand that the risk is high and that was shown obviously this week. But they're solid, their morale is good and they're looking after each other," Hillier said.

"They know they've got great support back here in Canada."

Rising concern

Harper has faced mounting concern at home over the rising death toll and questions about whether the Canadian contribution is making a difference.

The most recent casualties, Sgt. Craig Paul Gillam and Cpl. Robert Thomas James Mitchell, were killed Tuesday after an attack on a road construction project.

Both were members of the Royal Canadian Dragoons, based in Petawawa, Ont.

Their remains were being transported home as Harper spoke, and were expected to arrive at CFB Trenton in eastern Ontario Friday evening.

On Thursday the Senate committee, which is comprised of members from all parties, urged Harper to address the country on national television in order to explain Canada's role in Afghanistan.

Hero

Meanwhile, Gillam was hailed as a hero on Thursday for his actions in the moments before he was killed -- credited with saving the lives of most of his platoon.

Insurgents armed with rocket-propelled grenades and assault rifles attacked the platoon outside Kandahar City as it provided security to a road construction project.

"(Gillam) was able to shout and warn the others about this and then in about 30 seconds the other units were also attacked.

Craig Gillam was able to shoot back, however he was killed in the firing," CTV's Paul Workman reported from Afghanistan on Thursday.

Because of Gillam's heroism, the insurgents were forced to retreat, saving the lives of the remainder of the patrol, Lussier said after a ramp ceremony at Kandahar Airfield.

Five out of eight soldiers in the observation post were wounded in the attack.