Serious Allegations Surface Regarding NDP Minister Bernadette Smith’s Constituency Office — No Confirmation or Charges Reported

It has now been nearly three weeks since the first media inquiry was sent regarding a serious incident at the constituency office of Point Douglas MLA and NDP Cabinet Minister Bernadette Smith. Located at 804 Selkirk Avenue in Winnipeg, the office remains closed following what has only been publicly described as “vandalism.” Yet, despite multiple attempts to obtain clarity, the silence from Minister Smith, the Sergeant-at-Arms, and related government officials has left the community and public stakeholders with more questions than answers.

This is not about sensationalism. It’s about accountability, transparency, and public safety—foundational pillars in any healthy democracy.

Following three separate media inquiries directed to Minister Smith’s office, the Sergeant-at-Arms, and the Deputy Sergeant-at-Arms, a short response was finally received. It came not from the Minister herself but from Ryan Jamula, a government spokesperson. The statement read:

“The Point Douglas constituency office has been closed due to recent vandalism. Services have remained open to Point Douglas residents through phone and email as we work to clean up and reopen the physical space to the public.”

While this confirms the office closure, it sidesteps all the specific questions posed. It does not clarify the nature of the vandalism, who was involved, what damages occurred, whether staff were present or harmed, or whether the community should be concerned. In short, the statement raises more questions than it answers.

To be absolutely clear, none of the allegations we are about to outline have been confirmed. That’s precisely why inquiries were made—to confirm or refute these concerns responsibly and ethically.

Based on conversations with community members and one source who spoke on condition of anonymity, the following questions were submitted to the Minister’s office and the office of the Sergeant-at-Arms:

1. Was the constituency office being used—knowingly or unknowingly—as a safe injection site?
2. Were narcotics being stored, used, or handled inside the office with or without the awareness of staff or the Minister?
3. Can it be confirmed whether a person allegedly wielding a hammer or blunt object was responsible for the vandalism?

Again, these remain allegations—serious in nature—and our responsibility as a media outlet was to allow the officials involved an opportunity to respond. To date, no denial, clarification, or counter-statement has been issued addressing these specific questions.

Constable Dani McKinnon of the Winnipeg Police Service confirmed that an incident of vandalism at 804 Selkirk Avenue is under investigation and that it occurred between June 11 and 13. No further details were provided. Constable McKinnon did not confirm or deny whether the Winnipeg Police are in possession of surveillance footage reportedly submitted by a nearby business.

According to an eyewitness account, a person allegedly under the influence entered the office between June 17 and 21 with a hammer-like object and broke two windows. The same individual reportedly returned and caused further extensive damage. If accurate, this means that multiple incidents occurred, but only one was officially reported to police.

When WPS was asked whether they received any reports after June 13, the answer was no. Why not? If the second attack happened after that date—and based on the office being boarded up afterward, it likely did—why were no further reports filed? Who witnessed it? Was anyone inside? And most importantly, is the person responsible in custody or at large?

These questions demand answers—not just for the sake of media transparency, but for the safety and peace of mind of the Point Douglas community.

We have confirmed through multiple community observations that the Minister and/or staff have entered the boarded-up office in recent weeks, accompanied by legislative security. The presence of such security suggests that there are concerns for safety. But if such concerns exist, why has that information not been shared with the public? Shouldn’t constituents be made aware if there is an ongoing threat?

The office of the Sergeant-at-Arms, responsible for safety and security at legislative facilities, has also failed to provide any public guidance or updates. Their silence only deepens the mystery surrounding this incident.

Moreover, we must ask: if the Minister or her staff required security escorts to access the property, what does that tell us about the severity of the damage or the threat level perceived internally?

The silence from Minister Smith is particularly concerning. As an elected official, she is accountable to her constituents. There has been no social media statement, no press release, no public town hall—virtual or otherwise—to address what happened.

When public officials avoid difficult questions, trust erodes. And that is precisely what’s happening now in Point Douglas. Residents deserve to know whether their safety is at risk. They deserve transparency about how their elected officials are responding to violent or destructive incidents that occur on public property.

There is also the question of whether Minister Smith even resides within the ward or maintains a consistent physical presence there. An absentee representative—especially during a time of crisis—sends the wrong message to a community already burdened with systemic challenges.

It’s also worth questioning why this story has not been picked up by other media outlets. When similar acts of vandalism occurred at other elected officials’ offices in the past—regardless of political affiliation—it often made headlines. Where is that same level of scrutiny now?

Is it because the incident happened in Point Douglas, a marginalized community that is too often ignored? Is it because the sitting Minister is from the NDP, a party newly in power and potentially shielded by the honeymoon effect in the press? We can’t say for certain, but the lack of coverage speaks volumes.

According to experts familiar with commercial repairs in Winnipeg’s North End, the timeline for replacing custom windows, doors, and fixtures after a vandalism event like this could stretch up to a year. These aren’t standard parts; they often have to be specially ordered and fitted.

That raises another important point: if the office is to remain closed for a prolonged period, where is the alternate location? Has a temporary office been established? If so, why hasn’t it been publicly announced or promoted?

Again, this isn’t just about bricks and mortar. It’s about accessibility, trust, and responsibility to the people of Point Douglas who rely on that office for vital services.

While Premier Wab Kinew has built a brand on transparency, this situation could tarnish that image if left unaddressed. Ministers represent not only their constituents but the government as a whole. If Minister Smith is unwilling to speak, it falls to the Premier to ensure accountability is upheld.

If Premier Kinew was not aware of this situation before, he should be now. The refusal by a Minister’s office to answer direct questions—particularly in the face of serious allegations—reflects poorly on the entire administration.

And if the Premier was aware and failed to act or direct his minister to communicate, that’s a deeper institutional issue.

Let us be absolutely clear: this article does not accuse Minister Bernadette Smith or her office of any wrongdoing. Our role as journalists and community voices is not to speculate but to investigate, verify, and report.

However, we do have an obligation to seek the truth and to demand accountability from those in positions of power.

We again extend an open invitation to Minister Smith and her staff to address the following:

• What exactly occurred at the office between June 11–21?
• Were any reports filed with police after June 13?
• Is the suspect known and/or apprehended?
• Has a temporary office been established?
• Is the community at risk?
• Has the office every knowingly or unknowingly been used a safe injection site?
• And finally, what steps are being taken to ensure transparency moving forward?

The residents of Point Douglas deserve answers, not platitudes. They deserve action, not avoidance. And most of all, they deserve leadership that speaks up when it matters most.

Until then, the silence surrounding 804 Selkirk Avenue remains deafening—and unacceptable.

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Editor’s Note: All allegations contained in this article remain unverified at this time. The reporting herein reflects both verified facts and community concerns gathered through open-source interviews, police correspondence, and observational research. We invite all relevant parties to provide clarifying statements or corrections, which we will publish in full and without editorial interference.