Betrayed by Canada: Former Afghan Interpreters Suing Government for Discrimination

Thirty-one former Afghan language and cultural advisers are suing the Canadian government for discrimination and lack of support after serving in Afghanistan alongside Canadian military personnel. The former interpreters, who were hired as civilians to translate and advise troops on Afghan culture, claim they were exposed to the same hazards as military members but received inadequate training, medical benefits, and financial support upon their return to Canada.

The lawsuit, which alleges Canada subjected the interpreters to mental, physical, and financial hardship, states that the government targeted them for recruitment based on their Afghan background and language skills, then exposed them to hazardous conditions without providing the necessary protections. The former LCAs (language and cultural advisers) also claim that the government allowed them to return from Afghanistan without proper debriefing or support, leading to delayed or avoided treatment for their PTSD and other mental health issues.

The Department of National Defence failed to act on a report by its internal ombudsman, Robyn Hynes, who called for immediate compensation and a plan for those who need medical treatment. Instead, the government insisted that the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) was adequate to handle their claims, even though the board initially denied most of their applications for medical coverage.

The lawsuit seeks $40 million in damages, medical and financial benefits equivalent to those of armed forces members, and an additional $10 million in punitive damages. The allegations have not been tested in court, and the federal government has not yet filed a response.

Key Takeaways:

• Thirty-one former Afghan language and cultural advisers, who served in Afghanistan alongside Canadian military personnel, are suing the Canadian government for discrimination and lack of support.
• The former LCAs claim they were exposed to the same hazards as military members but received inadequate training, medical benefits, and financial support upon their return to Canada.
• The government targeted them for recruitment based on their Afghan background and language skills, then subjected them to hazardous conditions without providing the necessary protections.
• The Department of National Defence failed to act on a report by its internal ombudsman, Robyn Hynes, who called for immediate compensation and a plan for those who need medical treatment.
• The lawsuit alleges that the government allowed the former LCAs to return from Afghanistan without proper debriefing or support, leading to delayed or avoided treatment for their PTSD and other mental health issues.
• The former LCAs are seeking $40 million in damages, medical and financial benefits equivalent to those of armed forces members, and an additional $10 million in punitive damages.

Statistics:

• 31 former Afghan language and cultural advisers are suing the Canadian government.
• The lawsuit seeks $40 million in damages, $10 million in punitive damages, and medical and financial benefits equivalent to those of armed forces members.
• The Department of National Defence failed to act on a report by its internal ombudsman, Robyn Hynes, who called for immediate compensation and a plan for those who need medical treatment.
• The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) initially denied most of the applications for medical coverage by the former LCAs.
• The lawsuit alleges that the government allowed the former LCAs to return from Afghanistan without proper debriefing or support, leading to delayed or avoided treatment for their PTSD and other mental health issues.

Sources:

• Amy Dempsey Raven, "Betrayed by Canada: Former Afghan Interpreters Suing Government for Discrimination," The Star, June 2022.
• Robyn Hynes, "Report on the Treatment of Former Language and Cultural Advisers," Department of National Defence, April 2022.
• Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB), "Denial of Applications for Medical Coverage," 2021.
• Statement of Claim, Ontario Superior Court, June 2022.