A Mike Holland Liberal campaign sign found burnt to embers Thursday isn't an attack on one campaign or candidate, but on all candidates and the democratic system itself, the Liberal candidate for Vancouver Island North said Thursday evening.
On Thursday, a Liberal campaign volunteer was repairing and installing campaign signs when he found the charred remains of what had been a Holland campaign sign near the corner of Hamm Road and the Old Island Highway, between Courtenay and Black Creek.
“These kinds of attacks have no place in a country such as Canada, where we welcome and encourage free, open and civil debate on the important issues facing the nation,” says Holland. “I'm confident that my fellow candidates in Vancouver Island North will join me in condemning this kind of behaviour.”
While damage to election signs occurs in every election, and many Liberal signs have already been targeted for destruction in this campaign, the use of fire signals a dangerous escalation, Holland noted. While in this case the risk was minimal, fire can quickly get out of control and cause unwanted collateral damage, he added.
“Skulking around in the dark, destroying and damaging signs is an
extremely low form of behaviour, and employing arson is a dangerous escalation that puts the community at risk,” says Holland. “I'd urge those that would perpetrate such attacks to come out of the dark and have the courage of their convictions to defend their beliefs. I'm happy to debate anyone who disagrees with me any time, any place.”
— Mike Holland