Delivery van vandalized in wake of Trudeau’s visit, P.E.I. pub says – National

A craft brewery in Gateway Village, PEI, said its delivery van was vandalized on Saturday – the latest act of “hate” it claimed, after the business posted photos of its employees. them with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau last Friday.

Trudeau had lunch at their brewery on July 29, Lone Oak said in a Facebook post Saturday.

“We want to make it clear that any elected official from a democratic country, representing any political line, is welcome at Lone oak wood and we will be happy to take pictures with them,” said the brewery.

After posting a photo with Trudeau on Facebook, Lone Oak said it received a flood of negative and vulgar comments, private messages and phone calls directed at the business and its employees. The company posted a photo on Facebook of its truck with its windshield smashed on Saturday.

“The hate is still there and this time it has gone too far,” the company said in the Facebook post. “Our delivery driver found our Lone Oak van vandalized this morning as shown in the photo attached to this post.”

They said law enforcement has been contacted and that they are taking the necessary steps to protect their employees.

Lone Oaks also edited its Facebook post about Trudeau, which it said had reached more than 150,000 people, and removed a photo showing the prime minister “receiving sexually suggestive comments to our staff,” the factory said. beer said.

Lone Oak’s Google and Facebook ratings were also hit by people who had never visited the facility, according to the brewery.

“Ratings fell from 4.8/5 to 2.8/5 at the bottom,” said Lone Oak, but then returned to its former level after that. talk to CBC last Friday about the situation.

Following that coverage, Lone Oak said they also received many calls for support from the community.

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The business said employees loved the positivity, but added that “hate is still there and it’s gone too far” following the alleged act of vandalism.

“We want to let everyone know that law enforcement has been contacted and we are taking the necessary steps to keep our employees safe,” Lone Oak said.

The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) sent a statement to Global News Sunday condemning the hate Lone Oak is receiving.

“The Prime Minister was delighted to have lunch, meet people in the community and support a thriving small business,” the statement read.

“It is completely unacceptable for owners and employees to face threats and violence,” it added.

A spokesperson for the PMO said it was “delighted that everyone is safe.”

“It is a joy to see the community continue to stand up, condemn the despicable attacks and give their full support to the great team at Lone Oak that reflects the true spirit of the Islanders and all the people. Canada.”