Police investigate anonymous flyers amid hotly contested mayoral race in Cote St-Luc
A hotly contested mayoral race playing out in the Montreal suburb of Cote St-Luc has become so negative that police are now involved.
Anonymous letters some are describing as intimidating have been mailed to residents.
“[It’s] very, very uncomfortable,” said incumbent mayor Mitchell Brownstein. “There's no place for that in our society.”
Seeking a third mandate, Brownstein said the tone of this election feels very nasty compared to past races.
He said at least five different anonymous, unsigned flyers have been mailed to some residents within the last year. The most recent was also shared in a local Facebook group.
The latest letter attacks Brownstein's character and leadership on everything from COVID-19 to transparency and claims he cares more about his image than his constituents.
It's unclear how many of the flyers were distributed, but Brownstein says some constituents and his staff find it intimidating.
He gave the letter to Montreal police and also to Elections Quebec to determine if it violates election rules.
“It's very difficult for someone in political life to deal with social media and then have to deal with anonymous flyers attacking one's reputation,” he said.
Brownstein's opponent, Cote St-Luc city councillor David Tordjman, agrees it's been a divisive campaign.
“There are issues of transparency, how we spend taxpayer money, and our investment in our infrastructure,” he said.
Tordjman said that neither he nor anyone on his team is responsible for the flyers.
“Everything that comes from my team has our name on it,” he said. “Everything that I say is about our policies.”
Tordjman said he believes the flyers may have come from an angry voter.
“It's unfortunate that letters like these have to go out, that people feel they don't have a voice and they can't say these things," he said, "but we denounce it."
Tordjman said so far no one from Montreal police or Elections Quebec has contacted him.
Montreal police confirmed, though, that they're looking into the matter. Elections Quebec won't confirm or deny whether they are also investigating.
“I only know it's from someone who doesn't want me as mayor, and I have to leave it to the police to determine where it's coming from,” said Brownstein.
Municipal elections are on Nov. 7.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.