MacLeod rushed out of event amid alleged threats made against her

By Richard Southern and News Staff

Ontario’s Children, Community and Social Services Minister Lisa MacLeod was rushed out of a speaking event in Ottawa Friday morning, a day after alleged threats against her led to an arrest.

Provincial police confirmed Thursday Rebecca Reid, 41, of Ottawa is facing one count of criminal harassment and three counts of uttering threats.

MacLeod now has round-the-clock OPP security detail due to the alleged online threats.

Parliament Hill reporter Cormac Mac Sweeney, who was present at the International Women’s Day event, said he saw MacLeod get off her seat to speak to security and pointed at someone in the crowd.

“She began speaking with some officials that were there, and she was pointing towards the crowd. Then, she had to leave that conversation and go up to the podium,” Mac Sweeney said.

Her speech lasted less than three minutes before she was rushed out by OPP.

MacLeod’s office confirmed that she was rushed out of the event, but did not specify why.

She has faced criticism in connection with the Ford government’s changes to funding for autism therapy.

MacLeod did not attend a protest at the legislature on Thursday by parents of children with autism after receiving the threats. She did not detail the nature of the threats but said the tone of the debate has “caused me some concern with my own personal security.”

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