NDP signs vandalized with swastikas, crude language

Edmonton city police are investigating after several election signs were vandalized in central Edmonton.

The targeted signs in support of NDP Leader Rachel Notley and NDP candidate David Shepherd, who is running for re-election in the constituency of Edmonton City-Centre, were found early Wednesday spray-painted in black with swastikas and crude language.

“As a member of Rachel Notley’s team and the NDP candidate for Edmonton City-Centre, I am proud to represent a positive campaign that is focused on promoting hope, optimism, and inclusion,” said Shepherd in an email when contacted about the defaced signs.

“I will always fight to keep Alberta a province that is united, not divided.”

Edmonton police spokeswoman Cheryl Sheppard said Wednesday that officers have received a complaint and are investigating.

B’nai Brith Canada is a Jewish advocacy organization that tracks anti-Semitism and racism in Canada. Daniel Koren, spokesman for the organization, said the use of the swastikas has seen a “massive comeback” over the years and anti-Semitism is seen quite often during elections.

Koren said the swastika is increasingly being used as a “de facto hate symbol.”

“We’re seeing it promoting against groups or organizations that either work with Jewish members or work with minorities, work with identity groups, work with anyone who isn’t seen to be kind of that quote-unquote white Canadian,” said Koren.

“I think for the NDP, a lot of their politics are in favour of supporting members of minority groups and supporting members of marginalized communities, that unfortunately because they take this position, this is something that we’re seeing.”

In 2017, there were 22 cases of anti-Semitism reported in Edmonton, according to an annual audit by B’nai Brith Canada.

Last week, Alberta Party candidate Joanne Gui spoke out after racist comments were written on one of her election signs in Calgary-Edgemont.

Gui said she reported the graffiti to the Calgary police.

Deborah Drever, who is running for re-election with the NDP in Calgary-Bow posted a photo to Twitter with a sign of hers that was also vandalized. The graffiti read “death to marxists.”

On Twitter, UCP Leader Jason Kenney called the vandalism in Edmonton “repugnant.”

RCMP said Wednesday afternoon they are also investigating “election sign mischief ” throughout the City of Leduc.

They are urging the public to be respectful of the signs.