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OTTAWA — They risk their lives to help Canadian troops communicate with locals in embattled Afghanistan.
But more than a year after the government announced a fast-track immigration program for Afghan translators, only 50 have been given the nod to come to Canada — and even they are still waiting to clear security and medical screenings.
By mid-summer, more than 200 had applied.
And according to government officials, only another 50 of an estimated 300 Afghan translators in Kandahar who have helped the Canadian mission are expected to qualify before the program runs out next summer when the Canadian military mission there ends.
Immigration Minister Jason Kenney admits the program was slow to start — blaming worsening violence in Afghanistan — but said he's "looking forward to being able to welcome the first group of Afghan translators in the next few months.
"We owe an immense debt to those Afghan translators who are risking their lives to support our mission," Kenney wrote in an e-mail.
To qualify, Afghan translators must have worked for 12 months in direct support of Canada's military mission in Kandahar and must be able to prove the dangers they face from the Taliban are directly related to their support of the Canadian mission. The risk must be greater than the risk facing others who work in a less direct roles.
Also, they must be recommended for the fast-track immigration program by a senior Canadian solider or diplomat they work with.
"As a result of our reviews, close to 50 applicants are now moving forward in the immigration process. Should they all pass security, criminality and health screening, they will be accompanied to Canada by some 75 eligible family members (including) wives and all dependent children," said Melanie Carkner, a spokeswoman with citizenship and immigration Canada. "Canada still expects that approximately 50 principal applicants, plus an average of two family members, totalling 150 people, will be eligible each year."
When all is said and done, about 100 of the 300 eligible translators are expected to become Canadians and bring with them nearly 200 family members.
NDP immigration critic Olivia Chow said that's far too low a number, given how many Afghans have "put their lives on the line" for Canadian troops and the mission in Kandahar.
"Judging from the statistics so far, it's not fast-track. In fact, there's no track whatsoever for the majority of the Afghan interpreters, leaving them no hope and in dangerous situations," Chow said Monday, vowing to bring up the program with the minister when the House of Commons resumes later this month.
"It needs to be completely revamped and Jason Kenney and the Conservative government must keep their word and their promise to these Afghan interpreters who have put their lives in harm's way for our country.”