People's Party Leader Maxime Bernier egged at campaign event

A manhit People's Party of Canada (PPC) Leader Maxime Bernierwith an eggat a campaign event Thursdayin Saskatoon one of multiple recent incidents raisingquestions about campaignsecurity.

In a video posted to Twitter, the perpetratorappears to requesta photo with Bernier. As Bernier gives athumbs up, the man smashes an egg into the back of Bernier's head.

Bernier then runs his hands over his head but appears to assure onlookers that he's okay.

"I egged @MaximeBernier," the individual said in a tweet containing the video.

PPCspokespersonMartin Masse saidthe campaign does not have security guards or screening for itsevents.

"We don't hire security guards, but there are always volunteers with (Bernier)who keep an eye on what's going on, often former police officers or veterans," he said in an email.

"There is no screening at our events. Everyone is welcome to come meet Mr. Bernier."

Masse said a similar incident occurred in the 2019 federal election campaign, when someone threw a glass of water at Bernier. Massesaid Bernierplayed down the incidentand returned from his hotel room 10 minutes later to continue meeting with supporters. Police attended but no charges were laid.

The incident comes after a series ofprotests targetingLiberal Leader Justin Trudeau's campaign one of whicheven led the campaign to cancel a rallyin Bolton, Ont., on short notice.

A spokesperson for the Liberal Party said in an email that the party does not comment on security matters or operations.

In an email, a spokesperson for the New Democratic Party similarlyoffered few details about campaign security.

"We don't generally discuss or frankly control security questions about the tour," the email reads.

In an Aug.26 news release, Green Party Leader Annamie Paul raised concernsabout mountingthreats to the campaign. The party says that while the Greencampaign has not had any hecklers at press conferences, it's aware of online posts threatening to disrupt events.

"The RCMP should have offered a security detail to all leaders, and I certainly hope that someone is monitoring the online threats," Paul said in the release. "We keep an eye out the best we can for anyone who might be attending an event simply to disrupt.

"Sadly, many who might potentially consider seeking public office are discouraged from doing so for fear of the kind of vitriol they and their families are likely to encounter."