Opposition demands apology from Fantino over snub of veteran’s spouse

OTTAWA – Conservative MPs are rallying around Julian Fantino as critics seize on another ugly encounter between the embattled veterans affairs minister and a disgruntled member of the military community.

Jenifer Migneault, whose husband is a veteran with post-traumatic stress disorder, chased after Fantino after a committee meeting Thursday, demanding an audience.

As television cameras rolled, Fantino didn’t stop. Staff later said he wasn’t aware of Migneault, even though she hollered several times and followed him down the corridor.

Conservative MP Daryl Kramp describes Fantino as a “caring person” who’s been known to tear up when his emotions get the better of him.

Opposition parties demanded an apology today in the Commons, but since the minister wasn’t there, it fell to Fantino’s parliamentary secretary to answer for him.

Parm Gill says everyone in Parliament knows that the minister is deeply concerned and cares about Canada’s veterans.