Because of how Leitch acted, Finkelstein said the MP is not welcome at the 2014 parade.

But in a telephone interview Thursday, Leitch disputed Finkelstein’s account of what happened.

“I don’t know if I’d call it an incident,” Leitch said. “He came up to me and said I shouldn’t throw candy from the car. I got out of the car and started handing out the candy. It wasn’t anything more than that.”

Leitch said she apologized to Finkelstein and explained she was going to hand out candy to each child.

“I told him I was going to give all the children candy,” she said. “I’d given it to others. There was no altercation. Everyone was in a good mood and excited to get candy canes.”

Leitch said she walked the rest of the route handing out candy.

She noted that until Finkelstein approached her she wasn’t aware of the rule forbidding parade participants from tossing candy.

Finkelstein said the rule is posted at the Simcoe County public works yard where the parade marshals and added that parade participants are verbally reminded when registering at the yard the day of the parade.

But Leitch said she didn’t register the day of the parade. She just showed up. Leitch said she’s thrown out candy before at the parade and was never told it was an issue.

Finkelstein said he also took exception with the fact Leitch was leading the parade, noting another float was designated for that position.

When asked about her placement in the parade, Leitch said she arrived at the county yard and asked if she could be placed at the front because afterwards she had to get to Tottenham for that community’s parade. She said a volunteer then placed her in the lead position.

“I’ve obviously rubbed this gentlemen (Mr. Finkelstein) the wrong way and I apologize for that,” Leitch said.

And despite the BIA saying she isn’t welcome next year, Leitch said she absolutely intends to be there.

“Christmas is about community and family and Creemore is where I live,” she said.