WINNIPEG -- The Winnipeg police said it is investigating incidents of graffiti at three locations in the city: the RCMP ‘D’ division headquarters, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, and the constituency office of Northern Affairs Minister Dan Vandal on St. Mary’s Road.
A spokesperson for police said they were notified of the graffiti Wednesday morning, noting the three incidents are ‘likely linked.”
Images of the graffiti outside RCMP headquarters show monuments covered in red paint, some of which have profanities written on them. The building’s exterior has also been painted with the phrases: ‘Shut Down KKKanada’ and ‘Land Back.’
Images outside the office on St. Mary's Road show graffiti saying: 'U Fail Us Do Better,' as well a similar phrases seen on the RCMP headquarters.
At this time, the graffiti is not being investigated as a hate crime.
In a statement, Vandal said it’s disappointing that these three locations were spray painted with graffiti. He said he realizes events across the country are concerning, but that dialogue is the answer.
“Our work was always focused on finding a peaceful and lasting resolution in a way that builds trust and respect among all parties involved. We will never close the door on dialogue.”
In a statement to CTV News Winnipeg, Bobby Baker, the D Division director of the Prairie North Region National Police Federation, said the federation condemns those who did the graffiti.
“Their actions are despicable, disgusting, disrespectful, and criminal. Nearly 250 women and men have lost their lives in the line of duty with the RCMP, many here in Manitoba and as recently as last fall. RCMP Members reflect the values of all Canadians while serving our communities to the greatest degree, often in the most challenging and remote conditions. In times such as these, the women and men who serve in the RCMP know that we have the unwavering support of all Manitobans and Canadians.”
Manitoba Justice Minister, Cliff Cullen denounced the vandalism.
"Certainly when it comes to vandalism like this, again, it's just so unfortunate that people will stoop to these types of endeavours," Cullen said Wednesday.
"We will stand beside the police. We know they're facing challenges. They have a difficult job to do, but certainly they use their expertise in making the decisions they do."
Manitoba Keewatinowi First Nation (MKO) issued a written statement on Wednesday, which says the vandalism shifts the focus away from the real issues, and that the MKO doesn’t promote this type of activity.
“One of our inherent principles and goals as a Nation is to maintain a diplomatic approach,” it says.
“We must lead the way and educate each other through the sharing of factual and credible information, especially during critical times such as these.”
METIS FEDERATION FEARS ESCALATING PROTEST
In a written statement to CTV News, Manitoba Métis Federation President David Chartrand condemned the vandalism.
"I was saddened, yet not surprised, to witness with my own eyes, the desecration of a monument dedicated to Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) officers in Winnipeg today," Chartrand said.
"As I have stated time and again this month, our Métis Government will not endorse or support protestors who are now choosing to deface public property under the guise of protecting Wet’suwet’en land or people from resource development."
Chartrand said the vandalism is not an example of fighting for a cause, but instead is turning Canadians against each other. He said he is concerned the protests may continue to escalate, and could lead to the loss of life.
"I shudder to think what lies around the corner," Chartrand said. "This is not what reconciliation looks like and it is not what protest should be."
Graffiti outside the RCMP headquarters. (Source: Scott Andersson/CTV News Winnipeg)
Graffiti outside the RCMP headquarters. (Source: Scott Andersson/CTV News Winnipeg)
Grafitti outside the CMHR. (Source: Scott Andersson/CTV News Winnipeg)
Graffiti outside Dan Vandal's office. (Source: Mike Arsenault/CTV News Winnipeg)
-- with files from the Canadian Press
