Newmarket-Aurora Liberal election campaign officials discovered Aug. 28 that their signs were vandalized with swastikas and the word "Nazis" for the second time this week.
Liberal candidate Tony Van Bynen's campaign reported vandals tagged six signs with the messaging along Yonge Street in Newmarket, between Kingston Road and Bristol Road. This comes after more than 10 Liberal signs in the riding within Aurora were discovered with the same vandalism Aug. 24.
Van Bynen spoke out against the hate, also referencing a Liberal campaign event cancelled in Bolton, Ontario Aug. 27 due to demonstrators.
"Whether it's the anti-Semitic vandalism, the harassing of volunteers, or what happened in Bolton last night, the hate we're seeing is wrong, and it has to stop," Van Bynen said on social media.
The campaign confirmed it has forwarded the information to the police. York Regional Police said earlier this week it is investigating the vandalism as a hate-motivated incident and is looking for anyone who might have information. Police said investigators believe the same person is responsible for both incidents.
"York Regional Police does not tolerate hate crime in any form. Those who victimize others based on race, national or ethnic origin, language, colour, religion, age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, or mental or physical ability will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," police said in an Aug. 25 press release.
Similar vandalism has been reported on signs in other ridings since the campaign began.
Both Newmarket-Aurora Conservative candidate Harold Kim and NDP candidate Yvonne Kelly condemned the vandalism earlier this week.
"I stand with Tony in saying the hate needs to stop," Kelly said on Facebook Aug. 28.
"I too stand with Tony in saying the hate needs to stop," Kim said on Twitter Aug. 28.
Anyone with information can contact the York Regional Police #1 District Criminal Investigation Bureau at 1-866-876-5423 ext. 7141, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or leave an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com.
