I think you would agree that the woman is Canada's head of state and that section protects her against any act that's intended or likely to cause bodily harm to Canada's head of state.
I believe if you ask most people, they will say that it is more serious than if you threaten your neighbour, not that it's correct either way. Again, I think most people would agree that this raises it to a whole new level, particularly in a day when public security and the security of public figures is so critical.