Emails reveal how Ottawa sought to explain PTSD treatment for man who killed cop
Red Deer AdvocateDec 31, 2018
Emails obtained by
The news came out during Garnier's sentencing hearing for the second-degree murder of
Within the hundreds of pages of emails deliberating how to respond to the inundation of media inquiries, officials discussed pertinent policy and what messages would "support the rationale for including family members in a veterans treatment plan."
"Who may be included in a veteran's treatment plan or rehabilitation plan… is at the discretion of the decision-maker based on the recommendation of the veterans treating health professional, and in consultation with the veterans," said Nicholson in an
"(
In an email to nine of her colleagues the next day,
"I'm sure it's part of your messaging but also important to note that family members were only ever granted access to recognize the important part they play in supporting ill or injured veterans — part of the well-being framework," she wrote in an email on
Even
"(The deputy minister and associate) have asked us to update our lines to include two things… That the focus of providing counselling etc. to a family member is always based on the best interest of the well-being of the veteran… and a line around what services we may provide and what correctional services might provide, and including that there is no duplication or overlap of these services," communications officer
In a statement to
"It is part of normal business processes to connect to different areas of the department to ensure that messaging accurately reflects department policy and activity," spokesman
In September, the Trudeau government ordered officials to adopt a more critical eye before approving funds and services for the family member of veterans — particularly relatives convicted of serious crimes.
Veterans Affairs Minister
But when it came to Garnier's benefits, O'Regan repeatedly cited privacy considerations for refusing to discuss the case while indicating the order would not be retroactive.
The federal government was also apparently flooded with letters from the public, as widespread outrage mounted over Garnier's receipt of financial assistance for a mental condition that was brought on by the murder.
"Quite frankly this is an outrage and a direct slap in the face, towards veterans, by a Liberal government that has already lost major support from the veteran community.
Another member of the public, whose name is redacted, wrote: "I can only imagine what mental repercussions must come from strangling a female police officer to death here at home in
In an
In response to one letter,
"It was difficult at the outset to understand how someone who suffers from PTSD as a result of a murder they committed should be eligible for health benefits from Veteran Affairs Canada," Fraser wrote on
"Despite my first reaction, I want to be extremely careful about how policy may develop in response to the extraordinary facts of this case. The system that provides medical coverage to veterans and their families is a good one, and a political knee-jerk reaction to this case has the potential to deny coverage to veterans and their family members who need it, which I don't believe is a result that anyone wants."
Garnier — who strangled the 36-year-old woman and used a compost bin to dispose of her body — is appealing his second-degree murder conviction and sentence.
The conviction carries an automatic life sentence, but a
During his trial, Garnier repeatedly told the jury he did not remember using the large green compost bin to dispose of the body near a harbour bridge, where it stayed undetected for nearly five days.
Garnier had also argued that Campbell died accidentally during rough sex that she initiated after they met at a downtown bar earlier that evening.