NDP Federal Leader Jagmeet Singh Hits Peterborough Since Infamous Incident on Prior Visit

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It only took 21 days for New Democratic Party (NDP) federal leader Jagmeet Singh to return to Peterborough on Tuesday since he was met with a protest following a campaign visit on May 10.

He accepted Peterborough’s invitation after City Council agreed to bring him back in their meeting Monday night. Protestors shouted obscenities and called him a ‘traitor’ following his visit to Peterborough-Kawartha NDP candidate Jen Deck at her campaign office.

“I've had lots of great experiences in Peterborough so I wasn't going to let one isolated incident in any way discourage me from coming back,” said Singh. “What happened when I was first here in terms of the folks that were in front of the office, that's not representative of Peterborough. There are people that are genuinely frustrated and angry and I think we have to listen to that frustration.”

In a small gathering at the Lift Lock, supporters and Deck welcomed Singh. The federal leader endorsed the Peterborough-Kawartha candidate as the next MPP during his time in Peterborough.

Singh reminded voters that his party wants to address healthcare, education and the housing crisis as ‘things that really matter to people.’

The provincial election is on Thursday. Deck is challenging current MPP and Conservative candidate Dave Smith.

The following are the candidates for the Peterborough-Kawartha Riding in the provincial election:

  • MPP Dave Smith (Conservative)

  • Greg Dempsey (Liberal)

  • Jen Deck (New Democratic Party)

  • Robert Gibson (Green Party)

  • Tom Morazzo (Ontario Party)

  • Rebecca Quinnell (New Blue Party)

  • Dylan Smith (None of the Above Party)

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Mayor Diane Therrien Condemns Actions of Incident Involving NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh

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Mayor Diane Therrien is condemning the incident involving NDP leader Jagmeet Singh during his visit to Peterborough last Tuesday.

Mayor Diane Therrien (right) at City Hall issuing her statement involving Singh. The mayor was not present during Singh’s visit to Peterborough.

He visited Peterborough - Kawartha NDP Candidate Jen Deck at her George Street campaign office in support of her running.

During his visit, Singh was confronted by protestors during his arrival and departure from the rally.

“Peterborough” has been a trending topic on Twitter since the incident that has garnered national attention. Photo by Angela O’Grady.

The following is an official statement issued by Therrien at City Hall on Tuesday morning:

On Tuesday May 10, our City was the site of an ugly, unacceptable attack on the leader of the Federal NDP. Mr. Singh came here to support the provincial party’s local candidate, as is his right to do so, and he should have been able to do so free from harassment and intimidation.

This was not a protest or acts of civil disobedience. Mr. Singh was targeted and physically harassed as he left the campaign office and walked to his vehicle. People yelled at him, insulted him, and swore at him.

This incident is one of many that our and other communities have been subjected to in recent months.

The purpose of this behaviour is to intimidate. It is to incite others to join in the rage, anger, and violence. It is intended to disrupt our freedom to safely and securely participate in the democratic process.

It is to distract us from working together to address the issues that truly matter and are increasingly urgent for all of us -- climate change, mental health, drug addiction, child poverty, housing affordability, the list goes on. These are deliberate, and very damaging, distractions.

The result of this behaviour is a corrosive poisoning of our communities, the amplification of racism and misogyny, and the deterioration of the peace, order and good government that Canadians continue to fight and die for.

We are Better Than This.

The City of Peterborough is Better Than This.

We all must be Better Than This. And each one of us in positions of influence must clearly, forcefully, and repeatedly condemn these tactics.

As Peterborough’s municipal leaders, we stand here together to show that we unconditionally condemn these tactics. We will not be intimidated to speak up and stand up against this, and demand better from everyone who engages in public and political debate.

I, Mayor of Peterborough, am calling on every political leader in Canada to stand with the good people of Peterborough and condemn these tactics. To refuse to be intimidated and coerced into appeasing or collaborating in any way with those who are terrorizing our democratic processes. To say, that this terror must stop now for the good of our country and for the protection of our democratic freedoms.

To say nothing is a choice. To not clearly, forcefully and repeatedly condemn these tactics is to be complicit. And the good, decent people of Canada who place a high value on peace and respectful discourse, must demand this from themselves and from all political leaders.

Finally, we, the Council for the City of Peterborough, will bring forward a motion at our next Council meeting to invite Mr. Singh back to our city, to show solidarity, to stand united with him, and to let him know that we are Better Than This. Thank you.

Therrien was not taking questions from the media following her statement.

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Peterborough Police Service Investigating Incident Involving NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh

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Peterborough Police Service is actively investigating the incident involving NDP leader Jagmeet Singh and protestors during his visit to Peterborough on Tuesday.

“Peterborough” has been a trending topic on Twitter since the incident that has garnered national attention. Photo by Angela O’Grady.

Protestors were outside the NDP campaign office building on George Street when Singh arrived and left the premises. Obscene words and gestures were made at the federal party leader by the protestors.

"We are aware that due to our staffing shortages, we are not always able to engage in proactive policing patrols," said Tim Farquharson, acting chief. "We also understand that public safety is of paramount importance and encourage residents to contact us with their concerns or any evidence that could aid in our investigations."

Police were unaware that Singh was in Peterborough as they were not contacted by the NDP leader prior to his visit according to a Tweet.

Singh was in town to show support for newly-appointed candidate Jen Deck for the Peterborough-Kawartha Riding. Deck was introduced to the party by Andrea Howarth, NDP Provincial leader on April 26.

The 2022 Ontario General Election begins on June 2.

The following are candidates for this year’s election:

  • MPP Dave Smith, incumbent Progressive Conservative Party

  • Greg Dempsey, Liberal Party

  • Jen Deck, New Democratic Party

  • Robert Gibson, Green Party

  • Tom Marazzo, Ontario Party

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