Politicians’ offices hit by fires, vandalism
Advertisement
Read this article for free:
or
Already have an account? Log in here »
We need your support!
Local journalism needs your support!
As we navigate through unprecedented times, our journalists are working harder than ever to bring you the latest local updates to keep you safe and informed.
Now, more than ever, we need your support.
Starting at $15.99 plus taxes every four weeks you can access your Brandon Sun online and full access to all content as it appears on our website.
Subscribe Nowor call circulation directly at (204) 727-0527.
Your pledge helps to ensure we provide the news that matters most to your community!
To continue reading, please subscribe:
Add Brandon Sun access to your Winnipeg Free Press subscription for only
$1 for the first 4 weeks*
*$1 will be added to your next bill. After your 4 weeks access is complete your rate will increase by $4.99 a X percent off the regular rate.
Read unlimited articles for free today:
or
Already have an account? Log in here »
WINNIPEG — Police are investigating recent damage at the constituency offices of two Manitoba cabinet ministers in adjacent Winnipeg neighbourhoods.
There have been four reports of fires since the start of August at the office of Bernadette Smith, the city’s fire paramedic service said Tuesday. Smith is the minister for housing, addictions and homelessness and represents the inner-city Point Douglas area.
Immediately to the north, in the St. John’s constituency, windows of the office of Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine were smashed in recent days.
Both ministers said office staff were not present when the incidents occurred — the window-smashing at Fontaine’s office occurred in the early morning hours, she said.
Both offices are in higher-crime areas of Winnipeg. There was no indication from police, who declined to discuss details of an ongoing investigation, of any connection between the events or possible political motives.
Still, Fontaine said, it is cause for concern.
“Our staff are safe. They’re working from home this week for obvious reasons,” Fontaine told reporters.
“And my priority is to make sure they are safe and that they know I support them in whatever supports they need.”
Smith, through a press secretary, declined to comment. The rear exterior of her office bore visible signs of small fires Tuesday. Portions of the brick exterior were charred black, and windows were boarded up. A neighbouring building appeared untouched.
Security at constituency offices has been an increasing concern both provincially and nationally in recent years.
Former federal public safety minister Marco Mendicino, in 2024, called for the creation of “protective zones” around political constituency offices to shield members of Parliament and their staff from a rising tide of threatening behaviour.
“I think that politicians, public servants across the country have raised concerns, and that’s an ongoing conversation, I think, across the country,” Fontaine said.
» The Canadian Press