The Liberal candidates in Abbotsford’s two federal ridings are reporting that some of their election signs have been vandalized.
Jeff Howe in Mission-Matsqui-Abbotsford and Kevin Gillies in Abbotsford-South Langley have had signs broken or taken down.
And in Howe’s case, one sign had words spray-painted over top.
Gillies said his large sign near the airport was the only one that had been damaged among the three parties that were represented there, calling it “pretty selective vandalism.”
“It irks me that people think they can get away with this kind of behaviour. Whoever did this damaged our property. It’s dirty, and it’s criminal,” he said.
Gillies said several of his smaller signs have also been damaged or kicked over.
Howe is reporting similar instances, including one case in which graffiti targeted the South Asian community, suggesting that voting for the Liberals will “Make Canada India.”
Howe said he’s proud of Canada’s tradition of welcoming newcomers, and he “stands in solidarity” with anyone trying to make a life in a new country.
“Unfortunately, over the past week, our campaign has experienced incidents that do not reflect the values we hold dear … The damage to signs is an affront to our most basic democratic processes,” he said.
“This kind of hate has no place in our society. Canada’s constitution – and especially our Charter of Rights and Freedoms – affirms our commitment to freedom of expression, dignity and equality for all.”
Howe said he reported the vandalism to the Abbotsford Police Department. Similar vandalism to Liberal election signs has been reported in other ridings across Canada.
It's not just the Liberals who are being targeted. Brad Vis, the Conservative candidate in the Mission-Matsqui-Abbotsford riding has also had his signs vandalized.
He posted a photo on April 4 of one of the damaged signs.
Damaging or removing signs is a criminal offence under the Canada Elections Act and can result in fines or charges.
