OTTAWA – POLITICS – Prime Minister Harper is trimming the Conservative Party sails heading to the 2015 federal election. Today in a quiet ceremony at Rideau Hall, the Prime Minister dumped Minister Julian Fantino from his post at Veterans Affairs. Erin O’Toole a former RCAF member will take over at Veterans Affairs as the new Minister.
The move by Prime Minister Harper is seen as one to soften the anger from veterans who have battled with Fantino over the past year. The opposition painted the Minister as being out of touch and uncaring about veterans.
Heading into 2015 the Conservatives have a rather large fundraising advantage, and after the attack in Ottawa appear to have stabilized in the public opinion polls.
Getting the trust of veterans back, who have been key supporters of the Conservatives is likely behind the move at Rideau Hall.