Demand Accountability from MP Wayne Long and Secretary for Unethical Conduct

We are writing to bring your attention to a deeply disturbing incident involving a Member of Parliament Wayne Long and his administrative assistant Jeanette Arsenault. This incident happened on December 13th, 2023, in the City of Saint John New Brunswick Canada, was captured on video and has ignited concerns about accountability, ethical conduct, and the impact of inflammatory rhetoric on community trust. 

In the video, MP Wayne Long and his administrative assistant can be seen publicly intimidating and shaming pro-Palestinian protesters, baselessly accusing them of supporting terrorism. The situation takes a distressing turn when the administrative assistant makes a racially insensitive comment, stating, "If you don't like Canada, go back to your home"; accuses protestors of terrorism and goes as far to call protesters “terrorists” such inflammatory language has no place in public discourse, especially coming from individuals holding positions of power.

The seriousness of the situation intensifies significantly as MP Wayne Long is implicated in doxxing, placing a person of color and their family, as well as their community, in immediate danger. This is particularly perilous given the recent surge in anti-Palestinian and anti-Arab racism over the past few months. Palestinians and their supporters have faced brutal and physical attacks, with documented instances of two severe assaults occurring in the City of Saint John, New Brunswick.

This overt violation of privacy and safety underscores the urgent need to address the ethical standards and responsible behavior expected from our elected representatives. The dangerous implications of such actions resonate even more strongly against the backdrop of increased hostility towards the Palestinian and Arab communities, making it imperative to hold MP Wayne Long accountable for his role in jeopardizing the safety of individuals and their families. 

1. Immediate Investigation: We demand a thorough and impartial investigation by the Federal Government of Canada as well as the Liberal Party of Canada into the actions of MP Wayne Long and his administrative assistant. The findings should be made public to ensure transparency and accountability. We call for appropriate legal consequences for both MP Wayne Long and his administrative assistant. We call on the Federal Government of Canada to hold their MPs accountable and to bring attention to their code of conduct. 

2. Resignation of MP Wayne Long: With his involvement in releasing personal information such as names, ethnicity and religious backgrounds of protestors and his constituents, we demand swift reprimand in such acts of deliberate intimidation on protesters exercising their Charter of Rights and Freedoms.  In the interest of maintaining public trust and upholding the dignity of public office, we request the immediate resignation of MP Wayne Long from his position.

3. Removal of administrative assistant: Given their bigoted and racially insensitive comments toward protestors, we urge for the removal of the administrative assistant from their position. Individuals with such attitudes should not hold public positions that work directly with a diverse community which includes racialized peoples and immigrants. 

4. Commitment to Ethical Conduct: We call for a public commitment from all elected officials to uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct, fostering an environment of respect and inclusivity.

This incident has far-reaching implications for the trust communities’ members place in their elected representatives. By signing this petition, we stand united in demanding accountability, justice, and a commitment to ethical conduct from those who hold public office.