A Conservative candidate in Markham-Thornhill has had campaign signs vandalized and stolen by a former Elections Canada deputy returning officer.
Lionel Loganathan confronted Alex Curley, who was damaging signs in the evening.
"Is there any reason why you're smashing all my signs?" said Loganathan during the confrontation.
"Yeah, because your f--king party is evil," Curley responded.
"What do you have to say for yourself, Alex?" said Loganathan.
"Your party is evil — full stop," said Curley.
"So, because you think my party's evil, you like to smash my signs?" said Loganathan.
The incident, recorded by Loganathan, follows significant campaign sign theft and vandalism against Conservative Barbara Bal in Nepean, Ontario, Liberal Leader Mark Carney's riding.
Loganathan invited Curley to his office for a civil conversation.
Police arrested Curley.
Vandalizing or stealing campaign signs in Canada is a criminal offence under the Criminal Code and the Canada Elections Act. It can be classified as mischief or theft under $5,000, with penalties including up to two years in prison for indictable offences or six months for summary convictions.
If signs are on private property, trespassing charges may also apply.
Any Canadian citizen who is 18 years or older as of election day can vote in Canadian federal elections.
