During the federal election campaign, no issue saw more cross party and popular support than assisting those Afghans who had supported Canada’s efforts in Afghanistan. Much of the focus has been on military interpreters, embassy staff and Canadian citizens.
Local partners and contractors were an essential element of its presence, particularly aid and development workers. They often worked in highly insecure regions and covered controversial topics, such as women’s reproductive health or democratic inclusion. This alone makes them a prime target for Taliban reprisals. Many of them have already been threatened, with a number injured and even killed. Every day they remain in the country adds immeasurable risks to their lives.
The initial delay in Canada’s response could be attributed in part due to the federal election, where the bureaucracy operates under the caretaker convention and is limited in its ability to change pre-existing policy. With no political leadership to direct the bureaucracy to streamline its processes to facilitate the refugees’ escape, it immediately bogged down.
Instead, the government’s recent responses have only exacerbated their plight. On Sept. 28, Ottawa raised the cap on the number of Afghan refugees from 20,000 to 40,000 individuals — an empty political gesture designed to offer the perception of action, but will only hinder ongoing efforts.
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