The Federal Minister for Veterans Affairs says he will be looking into why a man convicted of murdering an off duty police officer is receiving PTSD treatment through his department.
Christopher Garnier was convicted of second degree murder in December after killing 36 year old Catherine Campbell in September of 2015.
The court heard the Halifax man met Campbell at a bar. Later that night he strangled her to death and put her remains into a compost bin, which he left near a bridge where it would stay undiscovered for days.
Garnier's lawyer says his client is now suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
As Garnier's father is a veteran, he is entitled to apply for PTSD treatment through Veterans' Affairs.
Minister for Veterans Affairs Seamus O'Regan told CTV News, "I understand how uncomfortable people are with this decision. I know how I reacted personally to it myself." Adding, "Treatment is provided for the whole family. And there are cases where treatment for family members can help that veteran with their PTSD. But I have to say again we will be looking into how and why in this particular situation this decision was made."
Campbell's aunt, Mandy Reekie Wong, also blasted the decision on Facebook. "VETERANS and their families EVERYWHERE SHOULD BE OUTRAGED! There are actual veterans who returned from war, or multiple wars, and they are killing themselves because they can't get help for the PTSD they suffer from through no fault of their own! Yet, these people, Vince and Christopher Garnier, have managed to twist the system to get free counselling ahead of actual veterans who have been suffering for years. I am sickened by this."
Image courtesy Mandy Reekie Wong via Facebook