THUNDER BAY – A sure sign it is an election campaign are the campaign signs popping up all over lawns and properties around the city.
Another sure sign it is starting to get hot out there is the campaign sign vandalism with signs being knocked down, smashed or vandalized.
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) would like to remind residents that damaging or removing election signs can lead to charges under the Criminal Code.
Under the Canada Elections Act, “No person shall prevent or impair the transmission to the public of an election advertising message without the consent of a person with authority to authorize its transmission.”
Damaging election signs is if you think about it, not only attacking a candidate – it is attacking democracy and freedom of speech.
Any person with information regarding the person(s) responsible for this incident should immediately contact the Thunder Bay Police at (807) 684-1200 or for rural areas, the Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122 or their nearest police authority.
Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2000.
