Nenshi video fuels latest campaign feud
Posted Oct 9, 2017 3:28 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Mayor Naheed Nenshi finds himself in the middle of another heated debate this campaign after a video posted on social media Friday.
The incumbent says his opponents are recruiting supporters who are against diversity.
“There are forces out there in the community that are supporting my opponents that really want us to go backwards. They don’t want a city that is so inclusive of everyone. It is absolutely incumbent on us to hold on to the city that we’re proud of to make sure that we vote,” said Nenshi in the video which was taken down a short time later.
Fellow Mayoral Candidate Bill Smith says Nenshi’s comments took him off guard.
“[The] campaign has not been about that to my mind at all and it was surprising to hear,” said Smith. “I think he’s worried about his polling numbers and he’s reaching out for whatever he can get to help him go forward.”
Nenshi’s campaign chair released this statement Monday:
“Throughout this campaign there has been a remarkable rise in racist and hateful comments on social media, which Mayor Nenshi has spoken out against for months,” said Chima Nkemdirim, Re-elect Naheed Nenshi campaign chair.
“The comments from a small minority have been magnified by automated bots and anonymous accounts online. We are unified with the other candidates in the election for condemning these activities. The vast majority of Calgarians defend our city’s diversity and inclusiveness so that Calgary remains a great place to make a life for everyone.”
660 NEWS did reach out to Andre Chabot, but he has yet to comment.
