Election sign for Ontario Green Party candidate vandalized with hateful words
Ontario Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner issued a statement Monday ahead of the debate after learning that at least one of his candidate's election signs was targeted by hateful and misogynistic vandalism.
Krystal Brooks, the candidate for Simcoe-North, posted a message to social media earlier in the day asking voters why they "don't see many women or minorities in politics."
What followed was a video of one of her election signs with the following words written on it: "Go back to the reserve B***."
On the other side it said "suck another one w****" with a crude drawing in black marker.
"Politics have never welcomed us with open arms," Brooks said in her post. "I know what I signed up for and that this stuff happens and can be expected. Knowing doesn't make it easier though. "
"This though is exactly why victims/survivors of human trafficking stay silent. It's also why you don't see many women, BIPOC and LGBTQ2S people in politics.”
In a statement, Schreiner said that he stands with Brooks and condemns the vandalism, calling it "abuse" while saying it has no place in politics.
"Ontario Greens are committed to building a more equitable and anti-racist province. And that starts with empowering and lifting up the voices of our strong and diverse candidates like Krystal."
This is not the first instance of an election sign being vandalized in Ontario. The NDP candidate for Kanata-Carleton posted photos of her campaign signs with graffiti, including one saying "witch" and Toronto police are investigating after someone spray-painted the word "Nazi" on the signs of a Liberal candidate.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Countries struggle to draft 'pandemic treaty' to avoid mistakes made during COVID
After the coronavirus pandemic triggered once-unthinkable lockdowns, upended economies and killed millions, leaders at the World Health Organization and worldwide vowed to do better in the future. Years later, countries are still struggling to come up with an agreed-upon plan for how the world might respond to the next global outbreak.
NEW Iconic Canadian song turns 50
Andy Kim's 'Rock Me Gently' is marking a major milestone, as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.
Oprah Winfrey: I set an unrealistic standard for dieting
Oprah Winfrey said on Thursday evening that she has long played a role in promoting unhealthy and unrealistic diets.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Flat tire on a highway? Here's why you shouldn't try to fix it
If you're cruising down a highway and realize you have a flat tire, you may want to think twice before stopping to fix it on the side of the road.
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Whooping cough outbreak declared in Newfoundland
Health officials say there is an outbreak of whooping cough in eastern Newfoundland.
Miss Teen USA steps down just days after Miss USA's resignation
Miss Teen USA resigned Wednesday, sending further shock waves through the pageant community just days after Miss USA said she would relinquish her crown.