Police launch investigation into harassment of NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh in Ontario
Police launch investigation into harassment of NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh in Ontario
Police in Peterborough, Ont. say they are actively investigating after NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh received a barrage of insults and harassment as he made his exit from a provincial election rally.
Singh was in the area on Tuesday to promote Ontario NDP candidate Jen Deck, who's running in the Peterborough—Kawartha riding in the June election.
As he made his way to his SUV, Singh was met by a flurry of expletives from an awaiting group of protestors who accused the federal leader of being a "traitor."
He appeared calm and unfazed during the up-close-and-personal verbal attacks.
"Anyone seeing the video should find it disheartening, morally unacceptable, and lacking the respect each resident and visitor deserves," Peterborough Police Acting Chief Tim Farquharson said in a video posted to Twitter Thursday. "To those involved in this incident … your actions and belief systems are reprehensible, unconscionable, and in some cases, criminal."
Farquharson said Peterborough police will "use every investigative tool possible to deal with (their) actions." He said the investigation was launched after police received a complaint from a member of the public.
In a statement issued following the incident, Singh said he knew the attack was not representative of the people of Peterborough.
"I have visited many times and I know your community is filled with good people who want the best for each other," the statement read.
Singh went on to say that “politicians must remember the consequences when they stoke fear and division.”
"When hate is given space to grow, it spreads like wild fire," Singh added.
Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath said Singh handled the "hate" he received with 'grace" in a post to Twitter on Wednesday.
Horwath went on to say Singh and candidate Deck deserve to live and work freely, "without intimidation."
PC candidate Dave Smith, who’s held the riding since 2018, responded to Singh’s statement saying he was "always welcome" in Peterborough and invited the leader and his family over for a BBQ.
This isn't the first time a federal leader has been met with hostility on the campaign trail.
Before the 2021 federal election, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was pelted with gravel during a stop in London, Ont. on Sept. 6.
Trudeau said he was not injured during the attack. Police charged Shane Marshall, 25, of St. Thomas, days later with one count of assault with a weapon in connection with the incident.
Peterborough police are encouraging anyone with information about the incident to come forward.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Trudeau announces new Russia sanctions after Zelenskyy address at G7 summit
Canada will add 74 more people and businesses in Russia and Belarus to its sanctions list, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on Monday as he met other G7 leaders in Germany to discuss the threat to global security posed by the invasion of Ukraine.

No 'warnings or second chances' for illegal activity on Canada Day: Ottawa mayor
Ottawa's mayor is warning the city won't tolerate any illegal activity downtown during Canada Day festivities this year, as the city prepares for possible protests.
Woman trampled, killed by horses at central Alberta rodeo: RCMP
A 30-year-old woman is dead after falling off a horse at the Ponoka Stampede on Sunday.
Ukrainian officials: Russian missile strike hits crowded shopping mall
Scores of civilians were feared killed or wounded in a Russian missile strike Monday on a crowded shopping mall in Ukraine's central city of Kremenchuk, Ukrainian officials said.
'Deepest apologies': Central Alberta rodeo organizers shocked by parade float
Organizers of a central Alberta rodeo and its parade committee are calling for calm after a float in this weekend's parade, which possessed a racist theme, was seen in the procession.
New Omicron subvariant expected to become dominant COVID-19 strain in Ontario
A new subvariant of Omicron is expected to become the dominant strain of COVID-19 in Ontario, health officials say.
When can you light fireworks in Canada? It depends on where you live
Figuring out where and when you're allowed to use fireworks in Canada depends on where you live and what rules apply in your municipality.
South Africa tavern deaths: 21 teens likely killed by something they drank, ate or smoked
South African authorities investigating 21 teenagers found dead at an east coast tavern over the weekend said on Monday the youths were probably killed by something they ate, drank or smoked, ruling out the earlier-touted possibility of a stampede.
Republican calls overturning Roe v. Wade a 'victory for white life'
U.S. Rep. Mary Miller of Illinois, speaking at a rally Saturday night with former U.S. President Donald Trump, called the Supreme Court's decision overturning Roe v. Wade a 'victory for white life.'