No arrests yet in vandalism of Scott’s office
Lindsay and District Labour Council president issues statement condemning ransacking
LINDSAY — James Mulhern, president of the Lindsay and District Labour Council, condemns the vandalism at Labour Minister and Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock MPP Laurie Scott’s constituency office last week.
“The Lindsay and District Labour Council and the Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) has a policy of non-violence, supporting peaceful protest in support of workers rights and fair treatment in the workplace,” Mulhern said in a written statement.
“Non-violent civil disobedience is a cornerstone of democracy and a powerful force for change in society. I want to be clear, The Lindsay and District Labour Council does not support or condone violence against persons or property in any form.
“When there is violence and destruction, the message is lost. We want to make it clear, whether we agree or not, the minister of labour and her staff are also workers at the end of the day. They also should have safe working conditions.”
Scott’s office was vandalized in a break-in on Oct. 23, just hours after the Ford government confirmed it would freeze the minimum wage at $14 and eliminate two guaranteed paid sick days for Ontario workers.
A large plate glass window and door were smashed at the Lindsay Street North office, chairs overturned and a message in spray paint reading “Attack workers. We attack back. $15.” was left.
“It’s very unfortunate,” Scott said of the incident. “Certainly, people are going to disagree but there are avenues for this. We can debate the issue or there can be peaceful protests .... But they (suspects) crossed the line. This is not OK.”
Police said “extensive damage” was caused to the exterior and interior of the building. The vandal or vandals fled prior to the arrival of police.
The office is closed, but the public can still access it via phone and computer. The damage was confined to the front reception area, Scott said, as the main office is secured. She asks the public to be patient while repairs are completed. It is hoped the office will reopen as soon as possible.
“While we understand that the government’s decision to repeal workers rights and protections is deeply troubling and a great concern to the people of Ontario, we encourage all workers to join with the OFL,” Mulhern stated.
“The Lindsay and District Labour Council and its community partners in peacefully demanding better working conditions and higher wages for all workers in this province, whether they are unionized or not.”
On Monday, Kawartha Lakes Police Sgt. Dave Murtha said there have been no arrests to date and the investigation is continuing.
The incident prompted Peterborough-Kawartha Progressive Conservative MPP Dave Smith to step up security at his constituency office.
NOTE: Anyone with information is asked to contact Det. Sgt. Kirk Robertson at krobertson@klps.ca or 705-3245252, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.khcs.ca.