North·Audio

Father of slain soldier calls Afghanistan war 'a waste'

James Anderson of Yellowknife, whose son Jordan was killed while serving with the Canadian military in Afghanistan, says Canada is paying a huge price for its involvement in the mission.

Northerner Cpl. Jordan Anderson was killed by roadside bomb in 2007

James Anderson of Yellowknife, whose son Jordan was killed while serving with the Canadian military in Afghanistan, says Canada is paying a huge price for its involvement in the mission.

Cpl. Jordan Anderson was 25 when he was killed along with five other soldiers by a roadside bomb outside Kabul on July 4, 2007. ((DND) )

"I think it was a waste in all respects," he said. "The personal cost, the emotional cost, psychological cost, the financial cost, and Canada's place in the world, quite frankly."

Canada's 12-year mission in Afghanistan officially ended on Wednesday.

James Anderson's son Jordan Anderson was 25 when he was killed along with five other soldiers by a roadside bomb outside Kabul on July 4, 2007.

Jordan was born in Iqaluit and grew up in Kugaaruk, Nunavut, and Tuktoyaktuk and Inuvik in the Northwest Territories.

James Anderson says his thoughts lie with those who survived the war and the emotional trauma they may experience for the rest of their lives. 

He's concerned veterans aren't getting the help they need from the federal government.