On February 13, 2019, the "National Post" reported that Ontario Association for Behaviour Analysts (ONTABA) had received a threatening message from MacLeod's office. In the email, ONTABA was directed to make a public statement in support of the changes to the Ontario Autism Program or face "four long years". MacLeod further threatened that if the message of support was not forthcoming, her office would release a press statement labeling ONTABA as "self-interested". Immediate calls from parents of children with autism for MacLeod's resignation were rebuffed by the minister. On October 31, 2019, Warren Kinsella told "The Globe and Mail" that his firm provided strategic advice and media training for the government to MacLeod and her political staff in 2018 when dealing with the cuts.