Lisa MacLeod rushed out of event by security detail

LisaMacLeod, the province's minister of children, community and social services,was rushed out of a Friday morningevent at Ottawa City Hall by her Ontario Provincial Policesecurity detail.

The Nepean MPP was attendinga breakfast for International Women's Day, where the city launchedits women and gender equity strategy.

MacLeod's office said it was thesecurity team that decidedsheshouldleave theevent immediately following her speech, but did not say what specifically spurred that decision.

AsMacLeodwas leaving City Hall throughtheLisgarStreet doors surrounded by hersecurity detail awoman was yelling at her about the proposed changes.

"My son only speaks fivewords because of you," the womanscreamed. Shestopped yelling onceMacLeodwas in her car.

Lisa MacLeod leaves event immediately following speech

6 years ago

Duration 0:16

Lisa MacLeod, Ontario's minister of children, community and social services, quickly left an International Women's Day event at the direction of her OPP security detail.

Arrest made Thursday

MacLeod has faced significant public backlash regarding changes the government is planning to introduce around autism funding.

Earlier this week, MacLeodavoided a rally at Queen's Park over the changes, citing a "credible threat" to her safety.

• 'Do the right thing': Parents hold autism rally outside Lisa MacLeod's office

On Thursday, Ottawa police arrested and chargeda 41-year-old womanwith:

• Criminal harassment, alleged to have occurred between Feb. 8 and March 1, that caused MacLeod"to reasonably fear for her safety," according to court documents.
• Uttering a threat to cause bodily harm, allegedly by email on Feb. 26.
• Uttering a threat to cause bodily harm, allegedly by email on March 1.
• Uttering a threat to cause death, allegedly via a telephone message between Feb. 8 and March 4.

Parent hopesdialogue still possible

Emily Sheridan, who lives in MacLeod's riding and has a six-year-old son with autism, said she hopes the threats won't end thedialogue between parents and the minister.

"I think it's fair to say that this definitely doesn't represent the bulk of the autism community," Sheridan said.

"If Minister MacLeod felt she was threatened to the point that she needs protection or security, that's something we would be concerned about. However, we're hoping that this doesn't distract from the message that our group is continuing to push for."

MacLeod's office said the minister is planning to attend other International Women's Day events laterFriday, but did not specify which ones.