NPCA calls police on Barrick Facebook critic
Staff at Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority called police about a Facebook post made by one of the agency’s most vocal critics, alleging harassment.
Niagara Regional Police officers responded to call from
NPCA Tuesday morning after the political advocacy group A Better Niagara posted criticism of the embattled organization’s interim chief administrative officer, David Barrick.
“Of concern were messages perceived to be targeted and threatening towards an individual at the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority,” said police spokeswoman Stephanie Sabourin in an emailed statement. “Officers spoke with the complainant from the NPCA at approximately 11:30 a.m., and then subsequently spoke with representatives from A Better Niagara.
“No charges have been laid in this matter as grounds were not formed that a criminal offence occurred since none of the messages contained threats.”
At about 9 a.m., A Better Niagara posted a criticism referring to Barrick as “one of the worst bully boys on council during this term,” and as a “poison pill” inside NPCA.
The post did not contain any threats toward Barrick or other members of NPCA staff.
A Better Niagara actively lobbied against several members of the previous regional council, including Barrick who was a councillor for Port Colborne last term. The group has been pointedly critical of the NPCA board’s decision to keep Barrick on as acting CAO for the agency until it hires someone to fill the position permanently.
It was Ed Smith of A Better Niagara who was on the receiving end of the phone call from the police.
“Free speech is a guaranteed right for us in Canada,” Smith said. “If those who occupy political office or high public position don’t appreciate public criticism, they need to re-evaluate whether or not they want the position.”
Liz Benneian of A Better Niagara wrote the post.
“It’s a fair comment on public matters. It’s not like he isn’t a controversial figure. It’s not like he isn’t being paid by the public dime, and it’s not like he doesn’t put himself in the news.”
“I have an issue with having the police called on us over that,” she added. See more of this story on our website