Recent fires and instances of vandalism will not deter Manitoba cabinet ministers Nahanni Fontaine and Bernadette Smith from their political commitments, Fontaine affirmed. She emphasized that their safety, being the first two First Nations women cabinet ministers in Manitoba, is a top priority following multiple fires and acts of vandalism at their campaign offices.
Fontaine expressed determination, stating, “We worked hard to be here. We continue to work hard for our responsibilities, for our departments, for our communities, for our relatives, and no amount of attacks will ever, ever push us out of this.” This declaration came during an unrelated funding announcement event where Fontaine received applause.
Investigations are ongoing by the Winnipeg police major crimes unit into four fires at Smith’s Point Douglas office between August and September, as well as vandalism and a fire, occurring on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, at Fontaine’s St. Johns office. These incidents were discussed at the Manitoba Legislature during the first question period of the fall session.
Both sides of the aisle condemned political violence, both locally and internationally. Fontaine faced backlash for reposting a social media message following the assassination of Charlie Kirk, an associate of U.S. President Donald Trump, on September 10. Despite Fontaine’s apology, Progressive Conservative Leader Obby Khan has called for her removal from the cabinet.
Premier Wab Kinew condemned the actions, suggesting that the incidents may be linked to gender-based violence and Indigenous-specific racism. He highlighted the need for additional safety measures, considering the significance of the first two Indigenous women serving as cabinet ministers in Manitoba.
The Legislative Assembly Management Commission is expected to review security issues, as MLAs are allocated funds for security systems at their constituency offices. Premier Kinew stressed the seriousness of the situation, emphasizing the need for respectful debate without resorting to threats or violence.
Fontaine acknowledged the lasting impact of the targeted incidents on both her and Smith, describing the attacks as not only personal but also affecting their ability to serve constituents safely. Smith echoed these sentiments, labeling the fires and vandalism as an assault on democracy, hindering their ability to perform their duties effectively.
The ongoing challenges have prompted discussions about the future of political security and safety, especially in light of the increased occurrences of political violence during the COVID-19 pandemic. Both ministers highlighted the importance of prioritizing security to ensure the well-being of staff and constituents in their respective offices.
