On February 13, 2019, the
National Post reported that
Ontario Association for Behaviour Analysts (ONTABA) had received a threatening message from MacLeod's office. In the email, ONTABA was directed to make a public statement in support of the changes to the
Ontario Autism Program or face "four long years". MacLeod further threatened that if the message of support was not forthcoming, her office would release a press statement labeling ONTABA as "self-interested".
[24] Immediate calls from parents of children with autism
[25] for MacLeod's resignation were rebuffed by the minister.
[26] On October 31, 2019,
Warren Kinsella told
The Globe and Mail that his firm provided strategic advice and media training for the government to MacLeod and her political staff in 2018 when dealing with the cuts.
[27]
MacLeod was later demoted from
Minister of Children, Community and Social Services to
Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport in 2019. An internal review of the overhauled autism program by fellow Progressive Conservative MPP
Roman Baber called for an immediate reset to MacLeod’s program, as it would leave families “destitute”.
[1]
In June/July 2019, at a music concert, Minister MacLeod allegedly publicly said to
Eugene Melnyk "I am your minister and you’re a f***ing piece of shit and you’re a f***ing loser." The context was about a
National Hockey League franchise business decision that was followed by poor performance and standings by the
Ottawa Senators team. There was some backlash in media after a personal complaint by Mr. Melnyk to Ontario Premier
Doug Ford, and an apology by Minister MacLeod was not accepted.
[28][29]