New report from Interim Ombud calls for fair treatment of Canadian Language and Cultural Advisors who served in Afghanistan

Ombud Message | 22 January 2024

We have released our latest systemic investigation report, titled "Standing together: Ensuring fair treatment for Canadian Language and Cultural Advisors who served in Afghanistan.” This report examines the significant challenges and barriers faced by Canadian Language and Cultural Advisors (LCAs) who were employed to support the Canadian Armed Forces in Afghanistan. The recommendations contained in this report are aimed at directly addressing the gaps in care and compensation that they endured upon completion of their employment.

LCAs played a vital role in supporting the Canadian Armed Forces’ mission, often under dangerous and high-stakes conditions. These Canadians were hired by the Department of National Defence as civilian employees. Despite their invaluable contributions, many LCAs have struggled to access care and benefits in the decade or so after returning home to Canada. Unlike their military colleagues, they have faced persistent barriers to getting the care and benefits they require as a result of their employment. Our report sheds light on these issues, the systemic gaps that allowed them to persist, and the urgent need for change.

We not only highlight the unique challenges the LCAs faced but also recommend how the federal government must address the inequities and ensure the LCAs receive the support they are owed. We call for federal accountability and decisive, immediate action to rectify these long-standing issues.

Again we urge the federal government to fulfill its moral obligation to the LCAs, to act promptly in implementing our recommendations and to demonstrate its commitment to honoring the sacrifices of all who served alongside members of the Canadian Armed Forces.
We encourage you to learn more about the issues and our recommendations to improve support for the LCAs.

Robyn Hynes
She/her
Interim Ombud