Former top commanders urge Ottawa to support Afghan-Canadian combat advisers [Video]

The federal government needs to listen to the pleas of Afghan-Canadian combat advisers who — having played a pivotal role in helping Canada complete its mission in the Afghan War — were denied benefits and health coverage, former top military commanders say.

The Department of National Defence (DND) recruited 81 Afghan-Canadians as language and cultural advisers (LCAs) during the conflict. Unlike interpreters, they also provided Canadian soldiers with crucial advice on Afghan culture and interpreted conditions on the ground.

The LCAs also had high-level security clearances and partnered with top commanders carrying out some of the most dangerous assignments, including gathering intelligence on the Taliban, warning of impending attacks and eavesdropping on insurgent communications.

They were considered the eyes and ears of the Canadian Armed Forces. But after the Afghan war ended ten years ago, the LCAs found themselves ineligible for veterans benefits because they were hired by DND as civilians on temporary contracts.

“I don’t think …