Reminder: Ensuring a Safe Provincial Election Campaign

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, January 30, 2025                7 p.m.

(Ottawa) – The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) is reminding residents that the democratic process must be respected during this provincial election. Threats, harassment, hate-motivated crimes and damage to election signs are criminal offences under the Criminal Code of Canada and will not be tolerated.

This election season, the OPS is committed to collaborating with other agencies to support candidates who may experience harassment, threats, or hate-motivated acts, particularly toward women and minority candidates by providing practical advice and resources.

“We take these matters very seriously,” said Deputy Chief Patricia Ferguson. “Threats, harassment, and hate-motivated crimes targeting candidates or their supporters, as well as acts of mischief such as tampering with election signs, undermine our democratic process. Police will investigate these incidents thoroughly, and where warranted, charges will be laid.”

While no incidents have been reported so far, the OPS is prepared to address any criminal acts targeting election candidates, their volunteers and staff, and their property.

If you witness or experience:

• Threats, harassment, or hate-motivated behaviour, contact OPS at 613-236-1222.
• Tampering with or damage to election signs, report online or through the Police Reporting Unit at 613-236-1222, extension 7300.

Deputy Chief Patricia Ferguson is available for interviews to discuss OPS’s commitment to protecting the democratic process during this election.

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Through the Community Safety Data portal data.ottawapolice.ca, members of the public can view, download, and interact with data released by the Ottawa Police Service.

CONTACT:

Media Relations Section

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5366