Many Afghans put their lives at risk to support Canadians, government takes it seriously: PM Trudeau

A group made up primarily of retired military officers and diplomats is looking for volunteers to welcome and help integrate any former Afghan interpreters and their families who end up being evacuated to Canada.

Calls are growing to protect those who worked with the Canadian Forces in Afghanistan from Taliban retaliation.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told reporters in Hamilton today that many Afghans put their lives at risk to support Canadians.

Trudeau says this is something his government takes very seriously and that it is working diligently and aggressively on its plan.

Some Canadian veterans are expressing frustration after they have sent money and other support to help relocate former Afghan interpreters, drivers and others from Kandahar to safer parts of the country.

The vets say such measures are only temporary, however, and that the government needs volunteers in anticipation of the evacuation and resettlement of Afghan interpreters and drivers and their families who worked with the Canadian Forces.