Nepean MPP Lisa MacLeod Taking Summer Off For “Health And Healing”
By Charlie Senack, Barrhaven Independent
Nepean MPP Lisa MacLeod said she’s taking some time off to improve her health and help with healing.
MacLeod released the statement less than an hour after she was left out of today’s cabinet announcement. MacLeod is one of two PC caucus members who were not selected to return to cabinet.
The Nepean representative said she’s taking the advice from her physician and medical support team.
“I owe it to myself, my husband Joe and daughter Victoria to take that advice,” she wrote. “The last couple of years have been difficult for many people. I know I am not alone in this regard. In my case, my mental and physical health and well- being has been greatly impacted. While I love waking up every morning to work hard for the people of Nepean and Ontario now is the time to work on my healing. I need some time to rest and recuperate. This will be my focus over the next few months.”
MacLeod has been open about her mental health challenges over the years, and how at her lowest point, she considered leaving politics altogether.
Over the last four years MacLeod has faced a swarm of criticism over her handling of the Autism portfolio when she was Minister in charge of Children, Community and Social Services during the Ford government’s first year in office.
MacLeod thanked Ford for his support over the years, and said “Ontario is in good hands under his watch.”
She also offered support to her colleagues both new and old in cabinet, and will be there to help when she can.
MacLeod said while her constituents won’t see much of her this summer as she focuses on healing, her team will be there to help with any local needs.
“This is neither good-bye nor a route to another job,” said MacLeod. “My focus for the next little while will not be on politics but rather on health and healing. While temporarily taking a breather is not a decision I have taken lightly, it is the right one to make now. Thank you for your understanding.”
