Afghan-Canadian combat advisers launch discrimination suit against Department of National Defence
Former military language and cultural advisers who served alongside combat troops in Canada’s war in Afghanistan are now taking legal action against the federal government for discrimination. These advisers were recruited by the Defence Department to provide crucial support in overcoming language and cultural barriers during the brutal Kandahar campaign.
The advisers, known as LCAs, played a vital role in intelligence gathering, warning of attacks, and eavesdropping on insurgent communications. Despite the risks they faced, they were civilians and not soldiers. Many of these men returned to Canada with injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder, only to find that the federal government denied them care because their contracts had ended and their health concerns emerged later.
In a statement of claim filed in Ontario Superior Court, 30 of these Canadian citizens of Afghan origin are seeking $50 million in damages for the alleged failure of the government to properly train and care for them. The lawsuit highlights that the advisers were recruited based on their identities as Muslim Canadians of Afghan descent and were subjected to the same risks as soldiers but were not provided with the same benefits and support.
The former advisers claim that they were discriminated against by not receiving adequate pre-deployment training to prepare for combat hazards. They also allege that the Defence Department actively frustrated and undermined their injury claims by withholding critical information from the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board.
Despite their struggles, the advisers remain dedicated to their country. Jamail Jushan, one of the former advisers, expressed his willingness to serve Canada again despite feeling ignored and suffering from PTSD. Another adviser, Abdul Hamidi, emphasized that there is no difference between him and the soldiers he advised in Afghanistan, except for their titles.
The advisers have been fighting for recognition and benefits, with the Canadian Forces Ombudsman’s office recommending a special compensation package for them. However, the Defence Department has refused to provide the compensation, leading to frustration and disappointment among the advisers and their legal representatives.
The ongoing refusal to grant the advisers compensation has been described as a tragedy by Emma Phillips, one of the lawyers representing them. An investigation by the ombudsman revealed that care for civilian contractors during the war was an afterthought, with delays in implementing policies to protect and support them.
Despite the challenges they have faced, the former advisers remain committed to seeking justice and recognition for their sacrifices. Their fight for fair treatment and compensation continues as they seek to hold the federal government accountable for their well-being and care following their service in Afghanistan.
