Is the Canadian government failing to keep its promise?
As hundreds of privately sponsored refugees touch down in Canada, thousands more remain in a state of uncertainty.
Fida Hussein, a former interpreter for the Canadian military and its allies, has been trapped in an Islamabad hotel room with his family for over two months. They fled Afghanistan to avoid the Taliban and have been anxiously awaiting their planned evacuation date. But, just three days before they were to leave, the family was informed that there was a mistake, and their file was under review.
Unfortunately, Hussein is not the only one. Other former translators, many of whom scattered across the Middle East and Europe, have encountered similar obstacles.
In an interview with CTV News, former political staffer Robert St-Aubin stated that there had been little-to-no communication between the government and the Afghan translators about their files, processing status, or when they can expect to evacuate.
Many Canadians, including veterans who have served with the translators, are frustrated by the government’s lack of concrete action. A recent poll conducted by Nanos Research shows that at least 91% of Canadians support helping evacuate Afghan refugees, yet 44% believe Canada has done a very poor job.
Since the Taliban’s take over in August, Canada pledged to take in 40,000 Afghan refugees. As of November 30, that number was only 4,000.
