Step up, aid those who helped us

We must heed the Canadian veterans of the Afghan war who are calling for expedited immigration of Afghan citizens who risked their lives to support Canadian troops. These people were mission-critical in providing interpretation, scouting (often by intercepting Taliban communications about troop movements) and assisting in building trust with local leaders.

They knew that they and their families would be among the first to be killed should the Taliban regain power. They trusted that Canadians would not leave them to die.

Canada has already brought out a number of interpreters and others whom we put in mortal danger. We should finish the job.

We also actively encouraged girls and women to stand up for their rights, and take equal roles in Afghan society with education, health care, help with careers in the professions, the public service and government. They grasped these opportunities and struggled to take their place. Now they are on Taliban hit lists. They and others in peril should be given priority to come to Canada, if they wish.

The prime minister said that NATO discussed Afghanistan at length at a recent meeting. Did NATO members commit to pressuring regional states to stop supporting and encouraging the Taliban — or persuading them and the Afghan government to return to peace talks? Are they prepared to work with the United Nations to end the violence and prevent the return of a terrorist, oppressive regime?

It's time for Canada to step up and do its duty.

Fran Harding, Ottawa