EDMONTON, Alberta -- The accidental killing of four Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan by a U.S. bomb has brought sadness to this western Canadian city where the battalion is based and started a national debate over Canada's military role in the war-torn country.

Eight other soldiers were injured in the blast. Six were taken to Germany for treatment, with two in intensive care but all listed as stable, officials said Friday.

While many staunchly defend the decision to send Canadian troops to fight alongside U.S. and European troops hunting down remnants of al-Qaida and the former ruling Taliban militia, others are questioning whether it is worth the cost in light of Wednesday's tragedy.

"We should leave it to the U.S. Our army is 30 years outdated. What are we doing there?" said Oscar Ferra, sitting Thursday in The Hub tavern on the outskirts of Edmonton. He said he doesn't think Canada should spend tax dollars on the mission.

But retired Edmonton health care worker Dennis Hickey differs.

"I have a son in the military, and we can never back away. If we did, I'd be damned ashamed of my country," Hickey said. "It's not just the United States that was hurt on Sept. 11. We'll stick together."

500-pound bomb

News that an American pilot mistakenly dropped a 500-pound bomb on Canadian troops during a training exercise in southern Afghanistan, killing four soldiers, has dominated newscasts here. The soldiers were members of the 3rd Battalion of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, which is headquartered at Canadian Forces Base Edmonton.

In a speech to the national Parliament Thursday, Prime Minister Jean Chretien reminded Canadians of the "precious cost that comes with the standing up for the rights and freedoms that we hold so dear."

Nonetheless, he pledged to investigate the deaths near the southern Afghan city of Kandahar and answer questions about how it could have happened.

"I want to assure the families and the people of Canada that these questions will be answered," he said.

Meanwhile, people in Edmonton mourned the fallen soldiers.