Catherine McKenna, former environment minister, says federal security agencies initially denied her protection and withheld her risk assessment despite escalating threats. As a Liberal MP and cabinet minister, she faced online and in-person harassment, including threats against her family and staff.
Her upcoming autobiography details these experiences, including incidents of vandalism, verbal assaults, and the RCMP's initial lack of response. After demanding a meeting on security, she felt agencies were shifting responsibility. She was denied her risk assessment and held them accountable for her safety.
Eventually, security was increased. McKenna noted that former defence minister Harjit Sajjan also faced similar issues. She believes the threats stemmed from her cabinet role. The RCMP has not commented. While only the PM and GG receive constant security, the budget for protecting other parliamentarians has increased. McKenna wrote her book to inspire women and advocate for better security for politicians.
7 Comments
Habibi
Thank you, Catherine McKenna, for being brave enough to speak out.
Africa
Risk assessments? Seriously? Taxpayer money well spent, I'm sure.
Bermudez
She deserves protection. Full stop. This shouldn't be a partisan issue.
Raphael
The fact that Harjit Sajjan faced similar issues is evidence of a systemic problem.
dedus mopedus
The RCMP's initial lack of action is concerning. They need to do better.
ytkonos
This reveals the toxic environment that women face in politics, and likely many other professions.
lettlelenok
The RCMP has other, more important issues to deal with than protecting every politician.