RCMP Investigate Vandalism of NDP Candidate’s Campaign Sign

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have launched an investigation into a troubling incident involving the vandalism of a campaign sign belonging to Nathan Cullen, a New Democratic Party (NDP) candidate in British Columbia. The graffiti involved an image of Cullen with a noose around his neck, placed on a makeshift gallows beside a highway, as reported by CBC News.

Cullen, a seasoned politician running in the Bulkley Valley-Stikine district, has expressed shock and disturbance over the representation of himself on the altered campaign sign. “I’ll be honest, I wasn’t really interested in looking at it too much, but then I was more thinking about my kids,” Cullen explained. He emphasized the need to address the issue within his family, given the likelihood of the image circulating on social media.

A volunteer from Cullen’s campaign noticed the defaced sign near Smithers on Highway 16 and promptly informed Cullen, who then notified the authorities. The campaign has also reported the incident to Elections B.C. Cullen described the vandalism as an “awful depiction” that has had a significant emotional impact on people in the community.

This incident follows a series of complaints about vandalism and theft of election signs in the area. Smithers RCMP had recently initiated an investigation into similar reports. According to RCMP officials, tampering with lawfully placed campaign signs constitutes a Criminal Code offence, classified under mischief or theft.

Nathan Cullen’s campaign has been notably affected, with hundreds of signs reportedly disappearing from supporters’ properties. In response, B.C. Conservative opponent Sharon Hartwell condemned the vandalism in a Facebook video, stressing that “it’s highly illegal” and not representative of community values.

Chris Sankey, a Conservative candidate in a nearby district, has also faced harassment and threats during his political campaign. He shared his concerns over the increasing hostility in politics, which he fears could discourage public participation.

Chris Tenove, Assistant Director of the Center for the Study of Democratic Institutions at the University of British Columbia, pointed out the rising concerns about violence among Canadian politicians, as well as the negative impact it could have on political engagement.

Cullen identified the hostile political discourse, fueled by social media and influences from the United States, as a factor in the increasing acts of vandalism and personal attacks. He stressed the importance of maintaining mutual respect in politics to encourage a diverse range of candidates to run for office.