A Harrowing Account of Threats and Abuse

In a startling revelation from her upcoming memoir, *Run Like a Girl*, former environment minister Catherine McKenna details the relentless harassment she faced during her tenure in office. Despite rising threats, federal security agencies initially denied her protection and even refused to disclose the risk assessments they'd conducted.

From Social Media Trolls to In-Person Assaults

McKenna, who served as the Liberal MP for Ottawa Centre from 2015 to 2021, recounts a terrifying escalation in abuse, starting with hostile tweets and evolving into troubling encounters in both her professional and personal life. Vicious online attacks included violent imagery, with one disturbing meme depicting a Barbie doll being crushed by a sledgehammer.

Threats to Family and Personal Safety

The threats didn't just target McKenna; they extended to her family. "Many messages threatened my family and suggested horrifying ways we could be harmed," she writes. Strangers even showed up at her house, taking selfies outside as if she were a trophy.

Harassment in Plain Sight

McKenna describes a particularly chilling incident where a man verbally harassed her and her children outside a movie theater while filming them. Her constituency office was vandalized with derogatory graffiti, and disturbing threats were sent in letters and packages, indicating the climate of fear that surrounded her.

A Troubling Lack of Support

Despite the seriousness of these incidents, McKenna felt let down by the authorities. After a confrontation in her office where her staff were verbally assaulted, she reached out to the Ottawa Police, which eventually led to an investigation. This prompted her to demand better security measures from her government superiors.

Reckoning with Security Failures

In her memoir, McKenna describes meetings where security officials seemed to pass the buck rather than take accountability. The lack of support for MPs, particularly those facing heightened risks, left her feeling exposed and vulnerable. "If anything happens to me or my family, I’m holding all of you responsible," she asserts.

A Call for Change and Awareness

McKenna’s story isn’t just her own; it reflects a disturbing reality for many women in politics today. She urges that the current security situation for politicians is unacceptable, emphasizing that women politicians at all levels are facing extreme threats. "Most Canadians don't think this is okay," she stated, stressing the urgent need for change.

Inspiring the Next Generation

McKenna hopes her memoir will empower young women to pursue political careers despite the daunting challenges they may face. "We need to do better," she insists, spotlighting the importance of a supportive environment for female politicians before the launch of her candid account.

The Rising Cost of Political Security

Interestingly, the RCMP's budget for protecting parliamentarians has seen a significant increase, highlighting growing concerns for safety in political environments. In just nine months, the budget rose to $2.5 million, a stark contrast to previous years.