Loading articles...

Local Liberal campaign headquarters vandalized

Last Updated Oct 4, 2019 at 5:33 pm MDT

PHOTO. The campaign headquarters of Fort McMurray-Cold Lake Liberal candidate Maggie Farrington were vandalized on Oct. 4, 2019. RCMP are investigating. MYMCMURRAY/Phil Wood.

The campaign headquarters of Liberal candidate Maggie Farrington was the target of vandalism.

In a statement, Farrington found the messages disgusting.

“Hate, misogyny, homophobia, xenophobia and white supremacy cannot be tolerated, here or anywhere.”

One of the messages read, “Those who sell out their race and their country should be purged from Canada”.

Farrington said she finds this an ominous threat.

Despite the vandalism, she said she will remain resilient.

“Our campaign will not be intimidated or deterred, but I do worry about the people of this riding who may feel threatened by such hate.”

Hateful rhetoric

Campaign volunteers arrived at the office early Friday, Oct. 4, to find pictures of Justin Trudeau and swastikas glued to their doors.

Farrington’s 10-year-old son was also among those who found the messages.

She added she’s aware hate exists in Canada, not just in a traditionally conservative riding as Fort McMurray-Cold Lake.

“I don’t believe this kind of violent rhetoric is at all acceptable in our society. This is not the Fort McMurray that I know, that I love, it’s not the Alberta that I know [and] love, and it’s not the Canada that I know and that I love.”

Since the attacks, however, Farrington received positive messages from dozens of people on social media.

Also, People’s Party representative Matthew Barrett visited Farrington’s office in a show his support.

Farrington said it’s the responsibility of all party candidates in the riding to denounce violence.

“I call on the other candidates in this riding to not only denounce this vandalism, but also the racism, misogyny, and homophobia that instigates this kind of attack.”

She added that standing up to hate will push back the rising tide of ignorance.

“That’s why I am proud to run as a Liberal because we stand for equality, equity and respect for people of all backgrounds, origins, and orientations.” 

Farrington said RCMP are currently investigating.