It's "un-Canadian" for people to pit the trouble of homeless war veterans against the plight of refugees flowing into the country, according to Jody Mitic.

"I didn't go fight in Afghanistan to not help Syrian refugees," Mitic said Wednesday.

Mitic, the Innes ward councillor and former military sniper, said he was "bummed" Wednesday when people on social media suggested Canada should do more for its war vets rather than help Syrian refugees fleeing from war.

"I don't want people to feel sorry for me because we're bringing in refugees," Mitic said in an interview.

"One is not the other, and don't use veterans as a wedge issue just because you don't like refugees."

The Sun spoke to Mitic earlier this week about a report by The Canadian Press that 2,250 former soldiers are using shelters on a regular basis. He hopes part of the CFB Rockcliffe redevelopment can be used to house homeless vets.

Mitic received applause via the web from several folks, and some weighed the issue against the federal government's efforts to bring thousands of refugees to Canada.

Although he appreciates the support voiced for vets, Mitic said it's "insulting" when people pit important issues -- like caring for war vets and helping refugees -- against each other.

"To me that just bums me out," Mitic said. "I'm not trying to say people are bad for it. I just think it's apples and oranges and I also think Canada can afford to do both."

Twitter: @JonathanWilling