On July 23, the Canadian government announced it would commit to fast-tracking the resettlement of “several thousand” Afghans who worked with the country during its military efforts.
It was welcome news for a couple in Garden Bay, who launched Not Left Behind, a national advocacy campaign to raise awareness and pressure the federal government to bring Afghan interpreters to Canada.
While veterans have been coordinating similar efforts over the years, the cause became more urgent when the U.S. withdrew its forces from Afghanistan in recent weeks. The Taliban began to gain traction and captured territory that includes areas where Canada’s military spent much of its 13-year efforts. Those who had worked with foreign forces have since faced increased violence and risk of retribution for helping countries like Canada.
Kate and Andrew Rusk began their initiative in early July. By last Friday’s announcement, they had helped raise $120,000 for the True Patriot Love non-profit to help with settlement support. (Kate has been on the disbursement advisory committee for True Patriot Love for several years.)
It’s a mission that hits close to home for the Rusks. Kate Rusk’s older sister, Capt. Nichola Goddard, was the first Canadian woman killed in a combat role. She was 26 years old when she was killed in action in 2006, while fighting against the Taliban in Afghanistan.
“Where the United States said that they would do something for their interpreters and other staff, the U.K. said that they would do something for their interpreters and other staff, Canada fell silent on it,” Andrew said. “And it was when Kate and I read a story about the interpreter that worked with Kate’s sister when she was deployed in Afghanistan, that we just didn’t feel as if the response was sufficient or large enough.”
Goddard’s interpreter is one of the thousands still living in Afghanistan. While it looks like he will be on the list, the Rusks are still trying to confirm whether he and his family will be included in those approved to come to Canada.
The Rusks began calling members of Parliament earlier this month, providing resources to Canadians to urge change, and connecting veterans and interpreters with the media to gain more awareness in Canada.
Kate said she was relieved to hear the announcement that Ottawa will commit to bringing the Afghan people employed by the military to Canadian soil. She said it’s important to many Canadians, including her family who also have other friends and family members currently serving or who have served in the Armed Forces.
“One thing that is really consistent, both with my sister and the other folks we know in the Armed Forces, is the incredible value they place on their team and the people that they’re working with and serving alongside and the importance of looking after your teammates,” Kate said.
“I think that the interpreters and the other staff were an integral part of the Canadian mission in Afghanistan. They’re a part of our team, and we need to look out for them.”
While the couple told Coast Reporter they’re still riding the good news from the 23rd, they will continue to work with veterans and the interpreters, make sure the government follows through on its promise, and help raise funds indefinitely. The government has been vague in exactly what the next steps will look like, citing safety concerns.
“The other work that we’re keeping an eye on is … quite literally making sure that nobody gets left behind,” Andrew said. “Because the reality is, all of these Afghans supported Canada when we were deployed, they kept our troops safe. And because of that loyalty, and because of that support, they are in direct danger now.
“We want to keep an eye on it in order to make sure that the people that risked their lives aren’t going to inadvertently have targets on their back because they were loyal and faithful to Canada.”
– with files from Canadian Press
