Several election signs for Lethbridge Liberal candidate Chris Spearman were vandalized or stolen in Coaldale. (Photo: Chris Spearman)

By David Opinko

update: Comments from RCMP

Federal election signs vandalized in Coaldale

Apr 7, 2025 | 9:19 AM

UPDATE (Monday at 12:30 p.m.): The Coaldale RCMP is asking for the public’s help in identifying those responsible for the theft and vandalism of election signs in the town. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Coaldale RCMP at 403-345-5552. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online at P3Tips.com, or by using the P3 Tips mobile app.

Original Story:

A local candidate in the 2025 federal election says he was disappointed to see what happened to some of his signs.

Photos circulated through social media this past weekend, showing a handful of signs in Coaldale for Lethbridge Liberal candidate Chris Spearman spray painted with foul language and hate symbols. Coaldale is part of the Lethbridge federal riding.

Spearman tells LNN that he is aware of five vandalized signs and at least 20 stolen signs.

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“We don’t like to see that in a democratically-conducted election,” says Spearman. “We don’t want to see signs defaced. We don’t want to see people going to church on Sunday, having to look at obscene words on election signs, so it is very disappointing that it happened.”

Spearman says he understands if people do not support the Liberal Party of Canada or himself, but if they are unhappy, he encourages them to attend the upcoming election forums and speak with the candidates in person.

READ MORE: All-candidates forums being held in Lethbridge in April

READ MORE: Coaldale Chamber to host election forum Apr. 14

Coaldale Mayor Jack Van Rijn issued a statement on Facebook, saying this type of “destructive behaviour” does not align with the values of the community.

“Acts of vandalism, especially those involving theft and offensive graffiti, undermine the very foundations of our respectful society,” says Van Rijn. “Let’s show Canada that we can handle political disagreements without resorting to disrespect and destruction. We are better than this. Let’s uphold the spirit of democracy and treat all election materials and the choices they represent with the respect they deserve.”

Tampering with or stealing election signs is an offence under the Criminal Code of Canada and the Canada Elections Act, and anyone caught doing so can be facing charges, including mischief to property or theft under $5,000 – which has a maximum penalty of two years in prison.

Anyone who notices destroyed, removed or stolen election signs can notify their local police or send a complaint in writing to the Commissioner of Canada Elections.

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