As a business in Edmonton and a supporter of the Conservative Parties Ryan Hastman candidate, we have allowed the placement of Conservative signs on our properties. We have seen signs knocked over, vandalized and spray painted by unknown vandals. Then I received the following email from Joel French (see email below). He seems to have some relation to the NDP party. See his Facebook page. It turns out that Joel French works for Ray Martin and the NDP party. (NDP media now say the email was from Joel French personally)

It seems that these type of people are trying to eliminate free speech in Canada by boycotting businesses that put up  competing political signs on their properties. Let this be a warning to business people ... Putting up a political sign may get your business boycotted!! It is very disappointing to see the socialists trying to use these type of tactics to prevent free speech in our country. Free speech rules in Canada.

It is  sad to see the NDP policy will disrupt oilsands development which also will be bad for Alberta and Canada. There can be no good result from socialism.

-----Forwarded Message-----

From Joel French

Date Sun, Apr, 17 2011 at 12:57 PM

Subject: Endorsing Ryan Hastman in Edmonton?

I just drove down Whyte Avenue in Edmonton and saw the huge Conservative Party signs on all the RentEx apartments and want to express my disgust. I'll be sure to boycott your company for the rest of my life and will encourage everyone I know to do the same.

Joel French

Edmonton, AB

Sent on TELUS Mobility Network with Blackberry

UPDATE

From Joel French

Wed, Apr, 20, 2011 10:38 PM

Subject: Apology

Dear Mr. Michaelson,

I write this to express my sincere regret for the e-mail I recently sent to you. My words and sentiments were over the top and out of place in a civil election campaign and in no way reflect the position of either the provincial or federal New Democratic Parties. Although Parties and supporters disagree on policies a lot of the time everyone has a right to express their opinion and show their support. In the Heat of the moment I sent a wholly inappropriate e-mail to you and for this I apologize unreservedly.

Sincerely,

Joel French

Edmonton, AB