In early August of 2008 M/Cpl Josh Roberts of the PPCLI was involved in a fire fight that also had civilian contracted guns blazing. Our Government quietly signed an international agreement on regulating private security companies in war-zones just weeks after a Canadian soldier was allegedly shot by a contractor during a confused firefight in Afghanistan last summer.
But it's unclear what the government is doing to keep the hired guns on its payroll in check.Canada was one of 17 countries to agree last fall to the Montreaux Document, which lays out responsibilities for the use of hired guns under international law.
Although the signing of this agreement will not bring back any of our soldiers. I feel that it is of the utmost importance that families receive a fully documented Investigative report for their loss. A shadowy statement that it was a Taliban bullet could have been confirmed By confiscating all the civil contactors weapons that day for forensic testing. I realise people will say cost, but cost is a relative amount compared to the waste of tax dollars on the Oliphant enquiry. These ballistic test would have proven whether the round matched any of the civilian contracters or not. This is what Canadian Soldiers think of these gunslingers.
You never want to be anywhere near these guys, a Canadian soldier recently advised a western journalist at forward operating base outside of Kandahar.
If you're ever in an area with them and there's gunfire just duck and cover. They stop wherever they're going and open up 360 (degrees).
Just weeks before the October federal election, Master Cpl. Josh Roberts was killed when his unit came under fire from both Taliban militants and possibly guards belonging to Compass Security ISS, which was escorting an aid convoy through Zhari district, west of Kandahar. A military police investigation said Roberts died from a Taliban bullet, a conclusion his family has questioned.
Canada was one of 17 countries to agree last fall to the Montreaux Document, which lays out responsibilities for the use of hired guns under international law. Other nations have since signed on and the United States is among those in the process of enacting tough new regulations.But except for a passing reference in the House of Commons last month, the Conservative government has been silent not only on the accord, but about measures it takes to hold security contractors accountable.
As the Toll of Canadian Casualties rises, it is imperative that our Government of the Day, be open and transparent with their findings.
As we prepare for a Red Rally in Charlottetown 26 June, we will remember all of our men and women who have paid the ultimate price. God Bless them One and all.
Nil SIne Labore
Robby
