A 49 year old man admitted to one charge of uttering threats. A second charge involving Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre was withdrawn.
Both charges were connected to a July 18, 2024 incident. Daniel Elwood MacKay made the threat while police were investigating online threats against Poilievre.
MacKay has been sentenced to one year of probation and a three-year ban on owning firearms or other weapons. He must also pay $100 to a victims’ fund within three months.
In a statement, Barrett thanked police and the courts, saying no one in public office should face threats for doing their job.
Threats against MPs have been rising. In 2023, 530 incidents were reported, up from just eight in 2019. That same day, MP Marco Mendicino called for protective zones around MP offices.
