Election signs vandalized with hateful messages

A Winnipeg Member of Parliament running for re-election saw his campaign signs vandalized with hateful messages over the weekend.

Marty Morantz, Conservative incumbent for the riding now called Winnipeg West, says the prejudiced graffiti was concentrated in an area of the city that’s primarily Jewish, two blocks from his own house.

“These are anti-semites commiting anti-semite hate crimes that want to intimidate me and the Jewish community, but I will not be intimidated by people who want to traffic in hate,” Morantz explained. “It was disgusting.”

His response? Get back on the street to talk to constituents in his area.

Mayor Scott Gillingham condemned the acts via social media Tuesday, calling them disgusting and cowardly.

Morantz’s opponent, Liberal candidate Dr. Doug Eyolfson released a statement that read in part, “Attacking a political candidate because of their faith is deplorable…”

In total, the perpetrator hit seven or eight signs and two bus benches. As you can see, the signs were replaced on Monday.

“We need to talk about these things. We need to call out when these things happen,” said Morantz.

Winnipeg police are investigating. Anyone with any information can contact them directly.