Travis Toews, former finance minister, and Brian Jean, MLA for Fort McMurray-Lac La Biche, told CBC News they have each received at least one death threat. Both have also received additional threats online and via social media. “Mr. Toews has received a significant amount of abuse on his social media platforms, including at least one death threat, which was shared with the RCMP and Alberta sheriffs,” Christine Myatt, Toews’ spokeswoman, said in a statement. Posts on a social media group discussing the UCP leadership race also suggested Toews be hanged for his role in government during COVID-19. Jean said he received a death threat phone call earlier in the campaign and the situation was not considered high-risk, but continued to be monitored. “There have also been some extremely nasty online threats directed at me and my family on social media,” he added. “Some people seek publicity, and their publicity only encourages them and others to behave badly. As a general rule, we need to increase civility in public life.” The revelation of these threats comes a week after another candidate, Leela Aheer, allegedly had Facebook accounts hacked and then used to distribute child sexual exploitation material. “Extra precautions have been taken to keep Ms. Aheer safe. And we will continue to do so,” wrote Sarah Biggs, her campaign manager. Harassment and threats against politicians, media personalities and other public figures have escalated in recent weeks — including one incident involving Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland facing a man yelled profanities at her on a visit to Alberta. “This obviously raises the level of concern once again about hostility and venom targeting elected officials or those running for office,” said Lori Williams, a political scientist at Mount Royal University. “It’s not going to be easy to try to curb that, but I think it’s absolutely necessary for some leaders to recognize that some of the activities they’re involved in are fueling it.”
“Albertans are angry and disappointed”
CBC News contacted each of the other four candidates to ask what harassment their campaigns may have faced. Danielle Smith, considered to be the front runner in the race to replace Premier Jason Kenney, said that while she has not personally received direct threats, her staff has received abuse online. “We will not engage or participate in this type of cancellation culture tactic … We will not comment further on volunteers and campaign staff on our campaign or others in the future,” said a statement from spokesman Matthew Altheim. Rebecca Schultz also hasn’t received any threats to her life, but her campaign says it’s “upset and concerning that other candidates have come under these kinds of attacks and have our full support in speaking out against this unacceptable behavior.” Rajan Sawhney’s campaign team declined to comment on the harassment he may have received. Both Toews and Jean’s teams say the threats, no matter how serious, won’t derail the fight. “Mr. Toews remains committed to running a positive, forward-looking campaign based on ideas, not personal attacks. He has great respect for all of his colleagues in this race and is saddened to learn that others have also experienced hate and abuse “, the announcement states. And Jean nodded at the difficult time Canadian politics is in right now. “This fight comes at a time when Albertans are angry and frustrated, and some people are having a particularly hard time coming to terms with everything that has happened in the last two years.” The UCP will announce its new leader on October 6.
title: “Ucp Leadership Candidates Are Subject To Death Threats During The Campaign Klmat” ShowToc: true date: “2022-10-30” author: “Jasmine Reyes”
Travis Toews, former finance minister, and Brian Jean, MLA for Fort McMurray-Lac La Biche, told CBC News they have each received at least one death threat. Both have also received additional threats online and via social media. “Mr. Toews has received a significant amount of abuse on his social media platforms, including at least one death threat, which was shared with the RCMP and Alberta sheriffs,” Christine Myatt, Toews’ spokeswoman, said in a statement. Posts on a social media group discussing the UCP leadership race also suggested Toews be hanged for his role in government during COVID-19. Jean said he received a death threat phone call earlier in the campaign and the situation was not considered high-risk, but continued to be monitored. “There have also been some extremely nasty online threats directed at me and my family on social media,” he added. “Some people seek publicity, and their publicity only encourages them and others to behave badly. As a general rule, we need to increase civility in public life.” The revelation of these threats comes a week after another candidate, Leela Aheer, allegedly had Facebook accounts hacked and then used to distribute child sexual exploitation material. “Extra precautions have been taken to keep Ms. Aheer safe. And we will continue to do so,” wrote Sarah Biggs, her campaign manager. Harassment and threats against politicians, media personalities and other public figures have escalated in recent weeks — including one incident involving Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland facing a man yelled profanities at her on a visit to Alberta. “This obviously raises the level of concern once again about hostility and venom targeting elected officials or those running for office,” said Lori Williams, a political scientist at Mount Royal University. “It’s not going to be easy to try to curb that, but I think it’s absolutely necessary for some leaders to recognize that some of the activities they’re involved in are fueling it.”
“Albertans are angry and disappointed”
CBC News contacted each of the other four candidates to ask what harassment their campaigns may have faced. Danielle Smith, considered to be the front runner in the race to replace Premier Jason Kenney, said that while she has not personally received direct threats, her staff has received abuse online. “We will not engage or participate in this type of cancellation culture tactic … We will not comment further on volunteers and campaign staff on our campaign or others in the future,” said a statement from spokesman Matthew Altheim. Rebecca Schultz also hasn’t received any threats to her life, but her campaign says it’s “upset and concerning that other candidates have come under these kinds of attacks and have our full support in speaking out against this unacceptable behavior.” Rajan Sawhney’s campaign team declined to comment on the harassment he may have received. Both Toews and Jean’s teams say the threats, no matter how serious, won’t derail the fight. “Mr. Toews remains committed to running a positive, forward-looking campaign based on ideas, not personal attacks. He has great respect for all of his colleagues in this race and is saddened to learn that others have also experienced hate and abuse “, the announcement states. And Jean nodded at the difficult time Canadian politics is in right now. “This fight comes at a time when Albertans are angry and frustrated, and some people are having a particularly hard time coming to terms with everything that has happened in the last two years.” The UCP will announce its new leader on October 6.
title: “Ucp Leadership Candidates Are Subject To Death Threats During The Campaign Klmat” ShowToc: true date: “2022-12-17” author: “Joseph Anderson”
Travis Toews, former finance minister, and Brian Jean, MLA for Fort McMurray-Lac La Biche, told CBC News they have each received at least one death threat. Both have also received additional threats online and via social media. “Mr. Toews has received a significant amount of abuse on his social media platforms, including at least one death threat, which was shared with the RCMP and Alberta sheriffs,” Christine Myatt, Toews’ spokeswoman, said in a statement. Posts on a social media group discussing the UCP leadership race also suggested Toews be hanged for his role in government during COVID-19. Jean said he received a death threat phone call earlier in the campaign and the situation was not considered high-risk, but continued to be monitored. “There have also been some extremely nasty online threats directed at me and my family on social media,” he added. “Some people seek publicity, and their publicity only encourages them and others to behave badly. As a general rule, we need to increase civility in public life.” The revelation of these threats comes a week after another candidate, Leela Aheer, allegedly had Facebook accounts hacked and then used to distribute child sexual exploitation material. “Extra precautions have been taken to keep Ms. Aheer safe. And we will continue to do so,” wrote Sarah Biggs, her campaign manager. Harassment and threats against politicians, media personalities and other public figures have escalated in recent weeks — including one incident involving Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland facing a man yelled profanities at her on a visit to Alberta. “This obviously raises the level of concern once again about hostility and venom targeting elected officials or those running for office,” said Lori Williams, a political scientist at Mount Royal University. “It’s not going to be easy to try to curb that, but I think it’s absolutely necessary for some leaders to recognize that some of the activities they’re involved in are fueling it.”
“Albertans are angry and disappointed”
CBC News contacted each of the other four candidates to ask what harassment their campaigns may have faced. Danielle Smith, considered to be the front runner in the race to replace Premier Jason Kenney, said that while she has not personally received direct threats, her staff has received abuse online. “We will not engage or participate in this type of cancellation culture tactic … We will not comment further on volunteers and campaign staff on our campaign or others in the future,” said a statement from spokesman Matthew Altheim. Rebecca Schultz also hasn’t received any threats to her life, but her campaign says it’s “upset and concerning that other candidates have come under these kinds of attacks and have our full support in speaking out against this unacceptable behavior.” Rajan Sawhney’s campaign team declined to comment on the harassment he may have received. Both Toews and Jean’s teams say the threats, no matter how serious, won’t derail the fight. “Mr. Toews remains committed to running a positive, forward-looking campaign based on ideas, not personal attacks. He has great respect for all of his colleagues in this race and is saddened to learn that others have also experienced hate and abuse “, the announcement states. And Jean nodded at the difficult time Canadian politics is in right now. “This fight comes at a time when Albertans are angry and frustrated, and some people are having a particularly hard time coming to terms with everything that has happened in the last two years.” The UCP will announce its new leader on October 6.
title: “Ucp Leadership Candidates Are Subject To Death Threats During The Campaign Klmat” ShowToc: true date: “2022-12-18” author: “Alfred Mitchell”
Travis Toews, former finance minister, and Brian Jean, MLA for Fort McMurray-Lac La Biche, told CBC News they have each received at least one death threat. Both have also received additional threats online and via social media. “Mr. Toews has received a significant amount of abuse on his social media platforms, including at least one death threat, which was shared with the RCMP and Alberta sheriffs,” Christine Myatt, Toews’ spokeswoman, said in a statement. Posts on a social media group discussing the UCP leadership race also suggested Toews be hanged for his role in government during COVID-19. Jean said he received a death threat phone call earlier in the campaign and the situation was not considered high-risk, but continued to be monitored. “There have also been some extremely nasty online threats directed at me and my family on social media,” he added. “Some people seek publicity, and their publicity only encourages them and others to behave badly. As a general rule, we need to increase civility in public life.” The revelation of these threats comes a week after another candidate, Leela Aheer, allegedly had Facebook accounts hacked and then used to distribute child sexual exploitation material. “Extra precautions have been taken to keep Ms. Aheer safe. And we will continue to do so,” wrote Sarah Biggs, her campaign manager. Harassment and threats against politicians, media personalities and other public figures have escalated in recent weeks — including one incident involving Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland facing a man yelled profanities at her on a visit to Alberta. “This obviously raises the level of concern once again about hostility and venom targeting elected officials or those running for office,” said Lori Williams, a political scientist at Mount Royal University. “It’s not going to be easy to try to curb that, but I think it’s absolutely necessary for some leaders to recognize that some of the activities they’re involved in are fueling it.”
“Albertans are angry and disappointed”
CBC News contacted each of the other four candidates to ask what harassment their campaigns may have faced. Danielle Smith, considered to be the front runner in the race to replace Premier Jason Kenney, said that while she has not personally received direct threats, her staff has received abuse online. “We will not engage or participate in this type of cancellation culture tactic … We will not comment further on volunteers and campaign staff on our campaign or others in the future,” said a statement from spokesman Matthew Altheim. Rebecca Schultz also hasn’t received any threats to her life, but her campaign says it’s “upset and concerning that other candidates have come under these kinds of attacks and have our full support in speaking out against this unacceptable behavior.” Rajan Sawhney’s campaign team declined to comment on the harassment he may have received. Both Toews and Jean’s teams say the threats, no matter how serious, won’t derail the fight. “Mr. Toews remains committed to running a positive, forward-looking campaign based on ideas, not personal attacks. He has great respect for all of his colleagues in this race and is saddened to learn that others have also experienced hate and abuse “, the announcement states. And Jean nodded at the difficult time Canadian politics is in right now. “This fight comes at a time when Albertans are angry and frustrated, and some people are having a particularly hard time coming to terms with everything that has happened in the last two years.” The UCP will announce its new leader on October 6.
title: “Ucp Leadership Candidates Are Subject To Death Threats During The Campaign Klmat” ShowToc: true date: “2022-10-29” author: “Victor Frank”
Travis Toews, former finance minister, and Brian Jean, MLA for Fort McMurray-Lac La Biche, told CBC News they have each received at least one death threat. Both have also received additional threats online and via social media. “Mr. Toews has received a significant amount of abuse on his social media platforms, including at least one death threat, which was shared with the RCMP and Alberta sheriffs,” Christine Myatt, Toews’ spokeswoman, said in a statement. Posts on a social media group discussing the UCP leadership race also suggested Toews be hanged for his role in government during COVID-19. Jean said he received a death threat phone call earlier in the campaign and the situation was not considered high-risk, but continued to be monitored. “There have also been some extremely nasty online threats directed at me and my family on social media,” he added. “Some people seek publicity, and their publicity only encourages them and others to behave badly. As a general rule, we need to increase civility in public life.” The revelation of these threats comes a week after another candidate, Leela Aheer, allegedly had Facebook accounts hacked and then used to distribute child sexual exploitation material. “Extra precautions have been taken to keep Ms. Aheer safe. And we will continue to do so,” wrote Sarah Biggs, her campaign manager. Harassment and threats against politicians, media personalities and other public figures have escalated in recent weeks — including one incident involving Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland facing a man yelled profanities at her on a visit to Alberta. “This obviously raises the level of concern once again about hostility and venom targeting elected officials or those running for office,” said Lori Williams, a political scientist at Mount Royal University. “It’s not going to be easy to try to curb that, but I think it’s absolutely necessary for some leaders to recognize that some of the activities they’re involved in are fueling it.”
“Albertans are angry and disappointed”
CBC News contacted each of the other four candidates to ask what harassment their campaigns may have faced. Danielle Smith, considered to be the front runner in the race to replace Premier Jason Kenney, said that while she has not personally received direct threats, her staff has received abuse online. “We will not engage or participate in this type of cancellation culture tactic … We will not comment further on volunteers and campaign staff on our campaign or others in the future,” said a statement from spokesman Matthew Altheim. Rebecca Schultz also hasn’t received any threats to her life, but her campaign says it’s “upset and concerning that other candidates have come under these kinds of attacks and have our full support in speaking out against this unacceptable behavior.” Rajan Sawhney’s campaign team declined to comment on the harassment he may have received. Both Toews and Jean’s teams say the threats, no matter how serious, won’t derail the fight. “Mr. Toews remains committed to running a positive, forward-looking campaign based on ideas, not personal attacks. He has great respect for all of his colleagues in this race and is saddened to learn that others have also experienced hate and abuse “, the announcement states. And Jean nodded at the difficult time Canadian politics is in right now. “This fight comes at a time when Albertans are angry and frustrated, and some people are having a particularly hard time coming to terms with everything that has happened in the last two years.” The UCP will announce its new leader on October 6.
