Abandoned comrades: why it’s our moral obligation to support the Language and Cultural Advisors 

My opinion piece first appeared in The Hill Times on June 26, 2024.

When duty called, an extraordinary group of Canadian citizens answered with courage and skill. They stepped up to play a crucial role in Canada’s mission in Afghanistan: the Language and Cultural Advisors (LCA). Handpicked by the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) for their fluency in Afghan languages and deep understanding of Afghan culture, these brave individuals were essential to CAF operations.   

The LCAs provided invaluable advice, significantly bolstering the CAF’s efforts in the war. This not only endangered their lives, but their families in Afghanistan and Canada, who could still face retribution from the Taliban or those who support them.  

Many LCAs served in Afghanistan without pause or relief, for over five years. There was a policy limiting the frequency and duration of deployments for CAF members, typically from six to nine months. However, a similar policy for civilians was abandoned and only finalized in 2021, long after Canada's mission in Afghanistan ended. 

Initially, the LCAs were informed that they would work within the relatively safe confines of the Kandahar Airfield; however, they quickly found themselves outside the wire, shoulder-to-shoulder with CAF members on operations to Forward Operating Bases, villages, convoys, and various battlegrounds.  

Deep scars remain; disparity in recognition and care continue  

After 13 years of conflict, Canada's military mission in Afghanistan ended, leaving deep scars on everyone involved, including the LCAs. These scars—physical, emotional, and mental—testify to the intense and often harrowing experiences faced by those on the front lines.  

Fortunately for CAF members, they had access to medical care and mental health support to help them cope with the challenges they faced after experiencing the combat and trauma in Afghanistan. However, despite their significant contributions and shared hardships, the LCAs were not afforded comparable benefits. As they were engaged as term employees of the Department of National Defence, they were, and continue to be, severely challenged in gaining access to the medical and financial supports they need, including benefits under the Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP). This highlights a stark disparity in recognition and care for those who played such a vital role in the mission.  

Once their employment ended, the LCAs were no longer eligible for medical coverage under the PSHCP. Given that many of their injuries manifested later, they applied for benefits through the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB); a group not accustomed to determining injuries sustained in theatres of war.  

While some LCAs received payments from the WSIB, it was often only after years of waiting and appealing the WSIB’s original decision. However, the payments they received are not nearly enough. Many found themselves requiring treatment, unable to work, or underemployed due to their injuries. There remains an inadequate level of care and compensation for LCAs who experienced the same risks and suffered many of the same hardships as the CAF members they served alongside.    

Left behind and forgotten, they continue to this day without the resources and support they need and rightfully deserve. They feel that the Government of Canada has turned its back on them after they risked their lives for their country.  

Solutions exist to address the resource gaps  

As I have said many times to the Minister of National Defence (current and predecessors): solutions exist. The Minister can and should use his authority to address any support gaps facing the LCAs—particularly when the WSIB scheme has proved inadequate.   

There is precedent for action. Previous Ministers have created coverage for individuals who did not have access to the benefits and services they needed because of injuries sustained alongside CAF members.

The 1974 explosion at a Cadet camp at CFB Valcartier is one example. Following my predecessor’s report and recommendations, the CAF established an equitable program for the Cadets who were affected, injured, and killed in this incident. Justifiably, the Government of Canada provided the required medical supports to both groups.   

The Minister should establish a similar program for the LCAs who served alongside CAF members, and quickly. They have waited long enough.   

It’s our moral obligation  

I have written numerous letters and have had countless conversations with senior officials to propose a path forward for the LCAs. In a letter to the Deputy Minister of National Defence in 2019, I stated, “While the moral obligation to care for and support military members is prominent in contemporary Canadian consciousness, there is less consideration evident of similar obligations for civilian employees who can suffer injuries or illnesses similar to those suffered by [Canadian Armed Forces] members, as a result of their contributions to the same international operations.”   

This is my final call, in my official capacity as the Ombudsman, for the Minister to support the LCAs. However, my office will continue fighting for their fair treatment after my term ends on July 1. As I have said time and time again, it’s not only a matter of fairness, but a moral obligation that the Government of Canada must fulfill.   

  

Gregory A. Lick  

Ombudsman