Fantino shuffle out of Veterans Affairs gets mixed reaction on P.E.I.

News that Julian Fantino is no longer the minister of veterans affairs is being met with mixed reaction on Prince Edward Island.

On Monday, Fantino was shuffled out and moved to the position of associate minister of defence.

Erin O'Toole was named new veterans affairs minister. O'Toole is a former member of the Canadian Forces and one of the founders of the True Patriot Love Foundation, which raises money to support military families.

The change came as welcome news to Jim Ross with the Charlottetown Legion.

“I don't think he (Fantino) has served the veterans all that well since he has taken office. So a change was, I felt, was in order,” he said. “I don't know if we can get back to having our office back here on the Island but I doubt that is going to happen. But maybe he (O'Toole) will have a little more feeling for the veterans and what their problems are.”

Fantino headed the department during downsizing that included staff reductions and closure of eight local offices across Canada that provided face to face services to veterans. That personal access for veterans was moved to Service Canada offices almost a year ago.

Jody LaPierre, president of Local 90001 Union of Veterans Affairs Employees, says it’s time to restaff the department.

“We hope this new minister is more than just the messenger,” he said. “Hire some more employees--we know the DVA was hardest hit of all federal department with all the cutbacks--in order that the veterans can get the true support they need to look after their needs.”

Veterans Affairs headquarters are in Charlottetown, employing almost 1,200 people.

Charlottetown Mayor Clifford Lee wants to maintain a good relationship with the new minister.

"I had a great relationship with minister Fantino. Certainly, we didn't agree with too much, quite frankly, but we've always been able to have open and honest discussions,” he said. “I look forward to welcoming the new minister to Charlottetown, sitting down with him and talking about DVA, the role that they play in the city of Charlottetown and the emphasis we place on federal jobs in this city."

Sean Casey is the Liberal MP for Charlottetown and the former veterans affairs critic. He says he wasn't surprised by the shuffle or who was named as the new minister.

He is a smart, well spoken, capable individual.- Liberal MP Sean Casey

Casey notes he has worked in the past with O'Toole on a veterans affairs committee, but doesn’t expect much in the way of change.

“He is a smart, well spoken, capable individual,” he said. “That will not change the lot of veterans or the employees at the Department of Veterans Affairs because even though Erin O'Toole presents very well which minister Fantino wasn't able to do, Erin O'Toole will have no more influence at the cabinet table than either of his predecessors.”

Fred Bradley of Mount Herbert served in the Royal Canadian Navy and has some advice for the new minister.

“I think they should just open up the offices again,” he said. “Right now you can't get anything because DVA offices are all closed and if you want anything you've got to go to Saint John, New Brunswick or some place. We need our own offices here to serve veterans."

The Public Service Alliance of Canada is also calling on the new minister to reopen the district offices.