Death threats, bullying

Photo: The Canadian Press

Newfoundland and Labrador Finance Minister Cathy Bennett 

Newfoundland and Labrador's finance minister says she has been repeatedly attacked online with death threats, body shaming and bullying — and it must stop.

Cathy Bennett is also the minister responsible for women, and says she hopes other people will speak out against cyber abuse.

She spoke to reporters today just ahead of her one-year anniversary as a Liberal cabinet minister in the province.

She says she in no way compares her experience to victims of physical violence.

Still, Bennett says it's time to speak out against widespread nastiness on social media -- much of it aimed by men at women.

One message she received said: "You are simply a bad person. You should do the world a favour and kill yourself."