By Charlene Tebbutt

‘There are so many living in the dark’: veterans advocate

Jul 31, 2018 | 8:00 AM

Jenny Migneault is fighting for the rights of soldiers with post-traumatic stress disorder and their families.

An advocate for the rights of Canadian veterans and those who care for them, Migneault made a stop in Prince Albert last week to talk with local families and promote support and advocacy programs for those struggling with PTSD. Migneault has been talking about the new caregiver recognition benefit, which provides a monthly tax-free amount of $1,000 to veterans dealing with injuries related to their service. Migneault said the benefit is a resource for veterans dealing with physical injuries, but it does not address the psychological and emotional impacts of combat, which can affect a veteran’s ability to hold a job and handle everyday responsibilities.

“People might think veterans are well taken care of, but it’s not true,” Migneault told paNOW. “There are so many living in the dark or stuck with the challenges of PTSD.”

Last week Migneault met with members of OSI-CAN, a non-profit organization aimed at helping those in Saskatchewan who struggle with operational stress injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder. Jessilynne Haskins, who runs a support group through OSI-CAN for spouses and families in Prince Albert, said it can be helpful to connect with others who are experiencing the same issues. Their support group meets twice a month during the fall and winter and once a month during the summer.

Haskins, who is a caregiver for her husband, said it’s important caregivers take care of themselves as well.

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“The support group for me is really good to help me with my self-care, so that I can be more resilient and be more of a support to my husband,” Haskins said. “Lots of people find it really helpful.”

Migneault has been advocating for the rights of Canadian veterans and their caregivers since 2014. She travels across the country as an advocate and has testified about the role of caregivers before parliament and discussed the issue with Veterans Affairs Minister Seamus O’Regan. Migneault is also a caregiver for her spouse, Orlando Fantini, who joined her on the trip to Prince Albert, and she provides support to her ex-husband, who is a veteran as well. 

“It is exhausting because you get to be in touch with the true pain,” Migneault said her of her advocacy work. “I’m done crying over my own story … if I were to stop I would abandon all those who confide in me.”

Charlene.tebbutt@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @CharleneTebbutt