Nepean MPP Lisa MacLeod is once again the target of threats and intimidation.
The Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport is under police protection after receiving threatening emails and an incident involving her vehicle.
The threats began after MacLeod appeared on CFRA in Ottawa on Tuesday to talk about the harassment female politicians face, including MP Catherine McKenna who saw her staff verbally abused by a man who posted the exchange on social media.
"Minister MacLeod thanks the OPP, the Ottawa Police, and the broader public for their concern over safety and security.
Currently and for the past seven weeks, Minister MacLeod has been travelling the province to reinvigorate consumer confidence in Ontario's tourism sector following COVID-19.
Following an interview with CFRA on harassment faced by female politicians, I can confirm that Minister MacLeod is once again receiving police protection due to both threatening emails and an unexplained mischievous incident to her personal vehicle in Ottawa.
Minister MacLeod's focus remains on a full economic recovery of Ontario's heritage, sport, tourism, and cultural industries and remain undeterred in her role supporting these vital sectors.
Minister MacLeod continues to condemn threats and verbal harassment against politicians and the danger it poses to them, their families, and their staff," MacLeod's Director of Communications, Derek Rowland, said in a statement.
MacLeod was reportedly not home at the time of the incident that involved her personal vehicle.
The minister took to social media saying she was “shocked to learn this morning the air on one of my tires was deflated in my driveway. Trying to remind myself this is NOT normal but man, this has become my norm.”
It was last year that MacLeod was also the victim of threatening emails and harassment. The person responsible was arrested, charged, and found guilty.