The Conservative Party of Quebec (PCQ) says that people vandalizing their campaign signs threatened to stab volunteers who installed them.
In a press release Monday, the party said that there were two separate incidents where volunteers were allegedly threatened with a knife after asking vandals to stop damaging campaign signs.
The first incident took place Saturday night in the Montreal riding of Rosemont and the second took place in Sept-Iles Sunday afternoon.
Montreal Police spokesperson Gabriella Youakim told the Montreal Gazette that a 49-year-old man was arrested in connection to the incident in Rosemont. He was released the following day and is set to face unspecified charges.
On Monday, the PCQ said police are looking for the Sept-Iles suspect.
PCQ leader Eric Duhaime called the situation devastating, but said he is “relieved to know that both (volunteers) are doing well, despite the circumstances”
“It is beyond me that in a democratic state like ours, events like this can still happen,” he added.
Duhaime also said that “the supporters of all parties, without exception, have the right to be actively involved in politics, without having to fear for their safety.”
In response to the incident, Quebec Liberal Party leader Dominique Anglade said, “I encourage people to voice their concern, voice their opinion, but stay away from attacking anyone, of course.”
Meanwhile, Quebec Premier Francois Legault pointed out that some of his campaign signs were also destroyed, adding “I denounce that for all parties. It’s unacceptable and it’s against the law.”
The incident comes amid a nationwide discussion around abuse directed at political figures – which was sparked after Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland was verbally ambushed by an angry man in Grande Prairie, Alberta last week.
Progressive politicians like Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh were quick to denounce Freeland’s experience on Twitter – but did not tweet their thoughts on what happened to the Conservative volunteers.
