Campaign signs belonging to candidates running for city council in Winnipeg’s Waverley West ward have been vandalized, with one candidate calling the incident a targeted attack.
Nafiya Naso says 16 of her campaign signs near an elementary school in the South Pointe neighbourhood were spray-painted. She says some signs across the street were left untouched.
“16 of my signs were targeted in one location. Concerningly right across elementary school and that is a concern for all of us,” said Nafiya Naso, candidate for city councillor in Waverley West.
Winnipeg police confirmed a report was filed but did not provide further details.
Naso says she was notified by local residents and plans to replace the damaged signs.
“I am very disappointed, but I am not intimidated. And this will not silence me,” said Naso.
Fellow Waverley West candidate Jasmine Brar also says some of her campaign signs were vandalized Friday.
“It’s pretty disturbing. We are all working so hard on this campaign and we should not be spending out energy on this,” said Jasmine Brar, candidate for city councillor in Waverley West.
Brar says the vandalism is especially disappointing during an election campaign.
“I got to know about this yeasterday. And today this happens. So this is disturbing,” said Brar.
Janice Lukes, the sitting councillor for Waverley West, condemned the vandalism and called for candidates to treat one another with respect.
“It’s very sad that people do this. Very sad. We can disagree and we can debate, but we should always treat each other with dignity and respect. It’s just very disappointing that h=this behaviour is out there,” said Janice Lukes, councillor for Waverley West with the City of Winnipeg.
Naso is asking residents to report vandalism, intimidation or racism if they see it, saying the issue is about ensuring such behaviour does not become tolerated in the community.
“I am asking Winnipeggers to speak up when they see vandalism, intimidation or racism. This isn’t about getting even; this is about making sure this does not become tolerated in our community,” said Naso.
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