It’s becoming a concern right across the country – election signs being vandalized.
Huntsville OPP issued a news release stating that they have received several reports in recent weeks of elections signs being removed or damaged. In one instance, a volunteer putting up signs felt threatened by people challenging their activity. It is both illegal to interfere with election signs (mischief) and threatening behaviour towards any person engaged in legal posting of election signs.
There has been a rash of campaign sign vandalism right across Canada with candidates from all parties being impacted. Federal election campaign signs for Sault Ste. Marie – Algoma Liberal candidate Terry Sheehan and NDP candidate Laura Mayer were vandalized over the Easter weekend. Sheehan’s signs were sprayed with obscenities and posters with portraits of Prime Minister Mark Carney were covered with spray paint. Several of Mayer’s signs were also spray painted. Incidents of signs being vandalized have been reported across Ontario including Toronto, Ottawa, Peterborough, Cambridge, Milton and Georgetown.
In other parts of Canada, a Jewish Conservative candidate in Winnipeg had his signs defaced with hateful messages, including some his campaign says were antisemitic. In Alberta, the RCMP are investigating after a Liberal candidate’s sign was sprayed with foul language and hate symbols.
The Elections Canada website states that The Canada Elections Act prohibits defacing, altering or stealing a campaign sign. Complaints about the destruction, theft or vandalism of election signs should be directed to the Commissioner of Canada Elections, who is responsible for investigating potential wrongdoing. When the rules are broken, the Commissioner can take measures to enforce them. Defacing a campaign sign can be charged under the Canada Elections Act. The maximum penalty for such vandalism is a fine of less than $5,000 or imprisonment of up to six months.
If anyone has information about the signs going missing, they are encouraged to contact the Huntsville OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or 705-789-5551. You can also call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit your information online at www.crimestoppers.com. Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display, and you will remain anonymous. You will not testify in court and your information may lead to a cash reward of up to $2,000.00.
The federal election is Monday, April 28.
