St Catharine Conservative candidate condemns vandalism of Liberal opponent’s car

St Catharines Conservatine candidate Krystina Waler took to social media to condemn the actions of vandals who spray-painted Liberal opponent Chris Bittle’s car on the weekend.

“We live in a democracy where we can disagree openly and respectfully. There are platforms to do that,” said Waler. “Targeted vandalism, endangering family and volunteers of those you don’t agree with politically is never, ever acceptable.”

She added in a released statement that this federal campaign has seen far too much “us vs them mentality.”

“I’ve never experienced anything like this. My volunteers are routinely yelled at, I’ve been spit on, our signs have been destroyed and our supporters shouted down.”

She said actions such as this cause potential future candidates to not bother running out of fear.

“It makes people not want to engage in a respectful campaign.”

Thus far, neither St Catharines NDP candidate Trecia McLennon nor Green Party candidate Catharine Bell Rhodes have issued a statement or posted on social media about the vandalism to Bittle’s vehicle.