Ottawa struggled to explain PTSD deal

Emails reveal how government sought to explain treatment for accused killer

HALIFAX — Newly released documents offer a glimpse into how highlevel government officials grappled to respond to the revelation that Veterans Affairs was funding the PTSD treatment of a Halifax man convicted of killing an off-duty cop.

Emails obtained by The Canadian Press through Access to Information legislation reveal a slew of people within the Veterans Affairs office — including the deputy minister, policy analysts and communications officers — were involved in shaping the message that was relayed to media about Christopher Garnier’s benefits.

The news came out during Garnier’s sentencing hearing for the seconddegree murder of Catherine Campbell, a Truro, N.S., police officer. The court heard Veterans Affairs was covering the cost of his psychologist because his father is a veteran who has also been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.

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.”

Trevor Nicholson, a senior policy analyst with Veterans Affairs, outlined for several of his colleagues how the department’s mental health policy functions.

In a statement to Canadian Press, Veterans Affairs said communications lines are developed and reviewed regularly as part of a daily work process.

In September, the Trudeau government ordered officials to adopt a more critical eye before approving funds and services for the family of veterans — particularly relatives convicted of serious crimes.

Veterans Affairs Minister Seamus O’Regan told the House of Commons that benefits would in the future not be provided to a veteran’s family member who is incarcerated in a federal facility.

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.

Garnier — who strangled the 36year-old woman and used a compost bin to dispose of her body — is appealing his second-degree murder conviction and sentence.

Garnier had argued Campbell died accidentally during rough sex.