The Liberal government recently expressed “deep concern” for “vulnerable” Afghans in crisis. .It pledged $56 million Canadian taxpayer dollars to “experienced partners” — foreign aid groups it trusts to oversee the provision of emergency support and protection in Afghanistan..Earmarked for 2022, this compliments $77.3 million from Canada in 2021..Meanwhile, the Liberals refuse to fund a trustworthy Canadian non-profit, the Veterans Transition Network (VTN), and groups under its umbrella. .They’ve worked for months — most as volunteers — beyond the point of exhaustion under difficult, perilous conditions to save Afghans in crisis..These are extremely vulnerable Afghans, proven loyal allies to Canada, trapped behind enemy lines hiding in terror, being hunted by the Taliban. .The Liberals have yet to demonstrate deep concern for them. .In fact, frustrated critics say government decisions block VTN efforts to protect and evacuate these Afghans on the Taliban hit list. .For reasons the Liberals never explained, they reneged on a promise to protect more than 10,000 Afghan interpreters and their families who, at tremendous risk, aided Canadian Armed Forces fighting the Taliban in Afghanistan 2001-2014..The time to ensure their safety was before last August when the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan. .Despite the Liberal’s apathy and policies, the VTN has evacuated 1,892 of these allies to safety in Canada or third world countries..That number would have been slightly higher had the Taliban not opened fire December 10 on a family trying to escape to Canada, murdering a 10-year-old girl and her great-aunt. .Under favourable conditions, the VTN says it can continue to move 250 allies a month by ground to neighbouring countries. It would take four years to complete the evacuation. .Air extracts would get more people out faster. .But it’s all expensive. .Despite months of requests, meetings, and multiple letters to multiple Liberal cabinet ministers and members of Parliament, VTN’s appeals for financial assistance have been denied but for a one-time paltry sum with baffling restrictions attached..A trusted Canadian group isn’t worthy of your tax dollars, but foreigners are..The Liberals were swift to respond to an appeal from the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross for humanitarian aid. .“Canada remains deeply concerned by the critical and worsening humanitarian crisis unfolding in Afghanistan,” said International Development Minister Harjit Sajjan in a December 21 press release announcing the $56-million pledge..“By working with experienced humanitarian partners, Canada can deliver much-needed assistance while ensuring this support directly reaches the most vulnerable people in Afghanistan. .“This funding will allow Canada’s humanitarian partners to provide life-saving assistance, such as emergency food and nutrition services and protection and logistics services, to ensure that humanitarian goods are dispatched and that workers continue to be able to respond to the crisis in the face of daunting challenges..“Canada will continue to work with experienced partners and NGOs to see how it can continue to support Afghans in need.” .There’s so much wrong with this..The feds champion foreign groups hoping they’ll do what the VTN’s been doggedly, heroically doing..Contrary to Sajjan’s assurances, Canada can’t ensure “support directly reaches” Afghans. If the UN’s involved, Canadians can count on a good chunk of their tax dollars being siphoned off or disappearing into a black hole. That’s just the way the UN operates..According to Sajjan, the UN’s an experienced humanitarian partner, able to respond to the crisis in the face of daunting challenges. .What an insult to the VTN, headed by retired military officers with impeccable service careers, from a guy who disgraced himself and apologized for a lie about his own service..Sajjan, who served three tours in Afghanistan, falsely boasted about being the architect of Operation Medusa, a critical 2006 offensive against Taliban fighters. .Afghanistan has descended into crisis since the Taliban takeover. Half the country faces starvation. Millions need humanitarian assistance..Aid should be sent — but you have to be alive to eat. If you’re being hunted by the Taliban, every day without dying is a miracle..Suddenly, the Liberals are concerned about providing funding for protection..About 1,750 Afghans are sheltered in safe houses run by Aman Lara, a Canadian non-profit working with the VTN..For some perplexing reason, the Liberals staunchly refused to support these safe houses..When Global Affairs coughed up $1.7 million a few months ago, it explicitly deemed none of it was to fund safe houses, just logistics and such. .Operating these costly safe houses has been financed solely by $3.4 million in donations from 3,600 Canadians. To date, $2.9 million has been spent, leaving a fraction of what’s needed in 2022. .In November, Afghans were on the verge of eviction due to lack of funds. Canadians — not government — donated $340,000 to keep the safe houses operating..“They’re living paycheque to paycheque. That’s what makes them so anxious,” said Jim Thomson, a former fighter pilot and secretary of the RMC (Royal Military College of Canada) Class of 1966, supporting the initiative to rescue Afghan partners left behind enemy lines..“If we can’t shelter people, we have to throw them out on the street because we can’t pay the landlords.” .The Liberals have “trusted partners” in the VTN, Aman Lara and everyone involved with them..“They’re on the ground now doing all this work. Why are they not supporting them?”.Tomorrow: Liberal indifference and stonewalling..Slobodian is the Senior Manitoba Columnist for the Western Standard.lslobodian@westernstandardonline.com
The Liberal government recently expressed “deep concern” for “vulnerable” Afghans in crisis. .It pledged $56 million Canadian taxpayer dollars to “experienced partners” — foreign aid groups it trusts to oversee the provision of emergency support and protection in Afghanistan..Earmarked for 2022, this compliments $77.3 million from Canada in 2021..Meanwhile, the Liberals refuse to fund a trustworthy Canadian non-profit, the Veterans Transition Network (VTN), and groups under its umbrella. .They’ve worked for months — most as volunteers — beyond the point of exhaustion under difficult, perilous conditions to save Afghans in crisis..These are extremely vulnerable Afghans, proven loyal allies to Canada, trapped behind enemy lines hiding in terror, being hunted by the Taliban. .The Liberals have yet to demonstrate deep concern for them. .In fact, frustrated critics say government decisions block VTN efforts to protect and evacuate these Afghans on the Taliban hit list. .For reasons the Liberals never explained, they reneged on a promise to protect more than 10,000 Afghan interpreters and their families who, at tremendous risk, aided Canadian Armed Forces fighting the Taliban in Afghanistan 2001-2014..The time to ensure their safety was before last August when the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan. .Despite the Liberal’s apathy and policies, the VTN has evacuated 1,892 of these allies to safety in Canada or third world countries..That number would have been slightly higher had the Taliban not opened fire December 10 on a family trying to escape to Canada, murdering a 10-year-old girl and her great-aunt. .Under favourable conditions, the VTN says it can continue to move 250 allies a month by ground to neighbouring countries. It would take four years to complete the evacuation. .Air extracts would get more people out faster. .But it’s all expensive. .Despite months of requests, meetings, and multiple letters to multiple Liberal cabinet ministers and members of Parliament, VTN’s appeals for financial assistance have been denied but for a one-time paltry sum with baffling restrictions attached..A trusted Canadian group isn’t worthy of your tax dollars, but foreigners are..The Liberals were swift to respond to an appeal from the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross for humanitarian aid. .“Canada remains deeply concerned by the critical and worsening humanitarian crisis unfolding in Afghanistan,” said International Development Minister Harjit Sajjan in a December 21 press release announcing the $56-million pledge..“By working with experienced humanitarian partners, Canada can deliver much-needed assistance while ensuring this support directly reaches the most vulnerable people in Afghanistan. .“This funding will allow Canada’s humanitarian partners to provide life-saving assistance, such as emergency food and nutrition services and protection and logistics services, to ensure that humanitarian goods are dispatched and that workers continue to be able to respond to the crisis in the face of daunting challenges..“Canada will continue to work with experienced partners and NGOs to see how it can continue to support Afghans in need.” .There’s so much wrong with this..The feds champion foreign groups hoping they’ll do what the VTN’s been doggedly, heroically doing..Contrary to Sajjan’s assurances, Canada can’t ensure “support directly reaches” Afghans. If the UN’s involved, Canadians can count on a good chunk of their tax dollars being siphoned off or disappearing into a black hole. That’s just the way the UN operates..According to Sajjan, the UN’s an experienced humanitarian partner, able to respond to the crisis in the face of daunting challenges. .What an insult to the VTN, headed by retired military officers with impeccable service careers, from a guy who disgraced himself and apologized for a lie about his own service..Sajjan, who served three tours in Afghanistan, falsely boasted about being the architect of Operation Medusa, a critical 2006 offensive against Taliban fighters. .Afghanistan has descended into crisis since the Taliban takeover. Half the country faces starvation. Millions need humanitarian assistance..Aid should be sent — but you have to be alive to eat. If you’re being hunted by the Taliban, every day without dying is a miracle..Suddenly, the Liberals are concerned about providing funding for protection..About 1,750 Afghans are sheltered in safe houses run by Aman Lara, a Canadian non-profit working with the VTN..For some perplexing reason, the Liberals staunchly refused to support these safe houses..When Global Affairs coughed up $1.7 million a few months ago, it explicitly deemed none of it was to fund safe houses, just logistics and such. .Operating these costly safe houses has been financed solely by $3.4 million in donations from 3,600 Canadians. To date, $2.9 million has been spent, leaving a fraction of what’s needed in 2022. .In November, Afghans were on the verge of eviction due to lack of funds. Canadians — not government — donated $340,000 to keep the safe houses operating..“They’re living paycheque to paycheque. That’s what makes them so anxious,” said Jim Thomson, a former fighter pilot and secretary of the RMC (Royal Military College of Canada) Class of 1966, supporting the initiative to rescue Afghan partners left behind enemy lines..“If we can’t shelter people, we have to throw them out on the street because we can’t pay the landlords.” .The Liberals have “trusted partners” in the VTN, Aman Lara and everyone involved with them..“They’re on the ground now doing all this work. Why are they not supporting them?”.Tomorrow: Liberal indifference and stonewalling..Slobodian is the Senior Manitoba Columnist for the Western Standard.lslobodian@westernstandardonline.com
