• March 29, 2024

Brown’s comments against MPP Lisa MacLeod outrage mental health advocates

Passages in a book by former Progressive Conservative leader Patrick Brown about local MPP Lisa MacLeod have outraged many at a time when there is a focus on ending stigma around mental illness.

Brown, who was forced out as leader by sexual misconduct allegations (which he denies), released a tell-all book Wednesday that takes swipes at many of his former Progressive Conservative colleagues.

He took particular aim at MacLeod, writing, among other things, that party organizers in Eastern Ontario “believed that MacLeod made up the mental health issues she claimed to have suffered during the nomination races in order to endear the public to her.”

In 2016, MacLeod spoke publicly about her struggles with depression, later becoming an advocate for others.

MacLeod, who is minister of child, community and social services, called Brown’s comments “disgusting and cruel” in a statement Wednesday.

“After much support from my family, friends and medical community, I came forward with my own struggle, that is shared by millions of people across the province. The dangerous claims made in this book will make it harder for children, teens and all Ontarians to share their stories and seek help.”

Nicole Loreto, who is vice-president of communications and partnerships at Ottawa’s The Royal, reacted quickly on Twitter to the reports on Brown’s book.

“Would he make the same comments about a physical illness?” she asked. “One in three Canadians will experience a mental health problem during their lifetime. Let’s not allow stigma to permeate, particularly by our civic leaders!”

Loreto said she fears the comments might increase stigma around mental illness and make it harder for others to open up about their struggles, something The Royal and other institutions and organizations have been battling with public campaigns.

“For the next person who wants to share their story, are they going to be subject to that kind of public treatment? This just encourages silence.”

Loreto said she spoke with MacLeod before she went public with her struggles with depression.

“She wasn’t sure about going public.”

Loreto said she told her it is important for people with high profiles to talk about their own experiences — something few politicians have done.

“There haven’t been that many politicians who have opened up. Even for her it was very difficult.”

Others across the political spectrum, including people who also struggle with mental illness, reacted to the comments on Twitter, calling them repugnant and shameful.

Optimum Publishing International, which published Brown’s memoir called Take Down: The Attempted Political Assassination of Patrick Brown, appeared to be reacting to the backlash with damage control Thursday.