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Taking political attacks home part of BԪַdangerous trendBԪַ says Vancouver Island MLA

Protests part of the job, but Michele Babchuk says her family did not sign up for that job
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North Island NDP MLA Michele Babchuk. (Photo supplied)

Threatening behaviour towards elected officials is on the increase throughout B.C., with North Island MLA Michele Babchuk the latest in a series of protests directed towards politicians.

Babchuk told the Black Press Media about three instances where protests at her office and home have BԪַcrossed the line.BԪַ Though she does expect some degree of passion from people in the riding as part of the job, when those instances begin threatening peopleBԪַs safety is when it goes too far.

Starting on Dec. 1, a group of people who were protesting outside of BabchukBԪַs office about public health orders came inside, which Babchuk says was BԪַunsafe for staff and I had another constituent in my office.BԪַ

BԪַI was meeting with that group, three representatives from that group in my office,BԪַ she said. BԪַDuring that meeting, it became very clear that I didnBԪַt agree with what they were saying and I wasnBԪַt going to agree to advocate for them. One of the gentlemen got up and decided to go to the door and let everybody into the foyer of the office.BԪַ

Then on Dec. 11 protesters came to BabchukBԪַs home, where they BԪַapproached the front of my house on my sidewalk, blocked my driveway and proceeded to scream and yell and try to make their voices heard.

BԪַIt did cross a line for me,BԪַ Babchuk said. BԪַIt took it from a professional conversation BԪַ even if we werenBԪַt agreeing BԪַ to a personal attack.BԪַ

Babchuk also said a third incident occurred at her home. The RCMP were called to each of the three incidents, and there was at least one arrest.

The protests and demonstrations have gone beyond partisanship. Green Party leader Sonia Furstenau had to move offices earlier this month, Liberal MLA Mike Bernier has received death threats, Black Press reported an incident at Liberal MLA Trevor HalfordBԪַs office where a man was hitting the building with a five-foot-long plastic pipe, and on Dec. 11 mannequins made to look like B.C. Premier John Horgan and other ministers were hanged in front of the Legislature.

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BԪַThis is just something that is escalating for all elected officials. I even know that the MP in our area has had attacks on her office and locally-elected officials are seeing it as well,BԪַ Babchuk said. BԪַItBԪַs a trend that I think is dangerous and IBԪַm concerned about it. It has to stop.BԪַ

Babchuk said she understands that people are frustrated after having to deal with COVID-19 for the better part of two years, but stressed the need to return to civility.

BԪַI certainly respect the fact that they have a different opinion,BԪַ she said. BԪַIBԪַve heard them, IBԪַve listened. I disagree and I do not believe what they believe hence I canBԪַt advocate for them. I believe that some of the things that they believe in puts the public in danger.BԪַ

Dealing with protests and higher tensions are part of the job for Babchuk, but her family and neighbours did not put their names on the ballot.

BԪַI think you expect people to disagree with you and youBԪַd expect people to be passionate about their issues and rise up a little bit,BԪַ she said. BԪַI think it was very startling to my family to see it happen outside of my home. I know it was something I didnBԪַt expect. As we move forward, IBԪַm hoping that cooler heads will prevail and weBԪַre able to have these discussions in a more civilized manner.BԪַ

The Mirror has reached out to the RCMP for comment.

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marc.kitteringham@campbellrivermirror.com

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Marc Kitteringham

About the Author: Marc Kitteringham

I joined Black press in early 2020, writing about the environment, housing, local government and more.
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