Vandalism Mars NDP Candidate

Kitimat, BC – March 30, 2025

NDP candidate Taylor Bachrach faced an unsettling welcome as he arrived in Kitimat, British Columbia, on Saturday to attend the grand opening of his election office for the upcoming Canadian federal election on April 28.

Just hours before the event, one of his prominent campaign signs along Highway 37 was defaced with spray paint, casting a shadow over what was intended to be a celebratory kickoff to his re-election campaign in the Skeena-Bulkley Valley riding.

The vandalized sign, which featured Bachrach’s name and the NDP logo, was discovered by campaign volunteers. Black spray paint had been used to write a very derogatory term across the sign.

Bachrach, who has represented Skeena-Bulkley Valley in Parliament since 2019, arrived in Kitimat around 3 PM to officially open his election office, located on the third floor of Unit 370, 374 City Centre. Kitimat.

Despite the vandalism, he remained resolute, addressing a crowd of supporters at the new office. Bachrach took to social media to post a photograph of the vandalism and discuss the vandalism.

"I wish I could say this kind of thing doesn’t bother me. Of course it does. I’m human. But there are two things I’d like to say to folks who support what we’re working towards:

1. Please don’t damage Conservative signs. It’s a downward spiral that leads nowhere.

2. If this makes you angry, put on your shoes. Go talk to your neighbours. Come build some more signs! Help us get out the vote for the kind of Canada we can be proud of."

- Taylor

Conservative candidate for Skeena Bulkley Valley Ellis Ross, also addressed the vandalism via his Facebook campaign page.

"I get the emotions around politics and how signs get stolen or tore down but please avoid this type of vandalism. Taylor has put his name forward to serve more than once and he has family that sees this."

- Ellis

We here at Kitimat Area strongly condemn this act of vandalism. We as Canadians are better than this. We do not need to stoop to this type of behavior.

The incident echoes a growing trend of campaign sign vandalism across Canada as the federal election approaches. Political observers note that such acts, while not uncommon, often spike during heated election cycles.

Bachrach, a former mayor of Smithers, has built a reputation as a dedicated advocate for rural and Indigenous communities in northwest BC. As the NDP’s transport critic, he has pushed for improved rail safety and regional infrastructure funding. With the federal election just under a month away, his campaign is focusing on key issues like economic recovery, environmental protection, and healthcare access—topics he highlighted during the Kitimat event.

The Kitimat election office will serve as a hub

As the clock ticks down to election day, all eyes will be on Skeena-Bulkley Valley to see how this incident—and Bachrach’s response—shapes the race in one of Canada’s most expansive and diverse ridings.