MP Cheryl Gallant under fire for PTSD comment

Cheryl Gallant raised the issue of "self-stigma" and Canadian Soldiers living with PTSD in the House of Commons, January 30.

Cheryl Gallant says she knows a lot about the issues faced by Canadian soldiers.

The Member of Parliament represent Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke which includes CFB Petawawa, but comments she said in the House of Commons has military supporters up in arms.

"The stigma that has to be overcome is a stigma within themselves," Gallant said on January 30.

Gallant was addressing a fear that coming forward with post-traumatic stress disorder is seen as a career-ender for many Canadian soldiers and veterans.

Jordie Yeo is a Canadian Forces veteran who lives with PTSD. He says Gallant is wrong to put the onus on soldiers.

“Her words are pointed and hurt,” says Yeo.

With a report from CTV’s John Hua.