Election campaign signs defaced in Ottawa
Two Ottawa candidates in the provincial election have had multiple signs defaced and destroyed within the last week.
Ontario Vanier Liberal candidate Lucille Collard says at least five of her signs were damaged and it cost hundreds of dollars to replace.
“I really felt insulted just because this is not democracy," said Collard. "That’s not what we want an election campaign to be like."
One sign had a moustache written over her face and another had graffiti.
"We know that there is division in the community, but it’s not a reason to be disrespectful," she said.
It’s an experience shared by Kanata-Carleton NDP candidate Melissa Coenraad.
“There was two in Constance Bay and then two on Saturday in Fitzroy,” she said.
Coenraad said one of her election signs had 'witch' written on it and another had graffiti, with horns drawn over her head.
“When there’s any sort of election sign vandalism it’s always disheartening to hear, but it’s especially disheartening to hear when it appears to be gender-based,” Coenraad said.
Election sign interference is also happening in the GTA.
Two employees in Brampton were caught on camera this week tearing down Liberal election signs. The pair used a company vehicle to vandalize and steal the signs.
"It is very serious,” said Nour El-Kadri, a University of Ottawa professor. "It’s just like stealing others property and in elections, those signs are the properties of the candidates that are running."
Ottawa police are warning that damaging or interfering with election signs is a criminal offence.
Correction
An earlier version of this story said damaging election signs is an offence under the Canada Elections Act. However, the Canada Elections Act only applies to elections at the federal level. The Ottawa Police Service tweeted incorrect information.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.
Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.