LAURIE WEIR

Dave Lavery, a Canadian veteran known overseas as “Canadian Dave,” has gone missing in Afghanistan, with reports suggesting he may have been detained by the Afghan government. Lavery disappeared on Nov. 11 at Kabul airport, according to a statement from the Veterans Transition Network (VTN), which stressed the need for caution.

“Further speculation would be unhelpful at this delicate time,” Oliver Thorn, Chief Executive Officer with Veterans Transition Network said in a statement. 

Lavery is from Perth and has been active in Afghanistan for years, providing private security and assisting in the evacuation of Afghan interpreters and civilians during the 2021 Kabul crisis. His efforts were part of the VTN’s campaign that sheltered thousands in safehouses and evacuated over 4,000 individuals to safety.

Known for his local community involvement, Lavery founded the Perth Polar Bear Plunge, an annual event that raises funds for various causes. He has been plunging every Jan. 1 since its inception – be that in Perth, or elsewhere. 

Lavery has travelled to Afghanistan repeatedly for humanitarian efforts in partnership with the VTN. He has also laid wreaths at the Canadian monument in Kabul on Remembrance Day. 

He has always travelled into Afghanistan using appropriate documentation issued by the Afghan government, the VTN stated, “which was aware of Dave’s presence and his work assisting migrants travelling into Canada over the past three years.”

Global Affairs Canada is aware of the situation and is providing consular assistance. 

“The VTN has been in contact with Global Affairs Canada and trusts that the Canadian Government is working to ensure Dave’s safety and his quick return,” the VTN stated. “The VTN will continue to offer any assistance we can to bring Dave home.”