DAN CEARNS The Standard
DURHAM: The Durham riding’s Liberal candidate, Robert Rock, calls on the community to show more support and love after a Bowmanville business received online backlash for recently hosting Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
On Sunday, February 9th, Mr. Rock posted a video to social media expressing his disappointment in “all of the online hate” the Brewer’s Pantry in Bowmanville received for this party.
“I think we as a community and a riding are better than that,” Mr. Rock stated. “I’m calling out to everybody. Please show the Brewer’s Pantry and Chris some love. Small business owners shouldn’t be penalized for making business decisions.”
The Brewer’s Pantry posted on the same day on Facebook to explain their situation.
“Last night, we had the honour of hosting the Prime Minister of Canada at the Brewer’s Pantry. He came to Bowmanville to support the Robert Rock campaign. Our venue was asked to host as we are welcoming to all and supportive of our community. Our support of small-batch Ontario beer and craft beverages was highlighted many times leading up to and during the event. Our pride was overflowing, and we posted a picture last night to share with our Pantry family.
Since this post, we have received an incredible amount of hatred from our so-called ‘community’. People who have never supported or visited us before, of course. We have received hundreds of hate comments on our social media. Dozens of negative Google reviews. Countless offensive emails. Phone calls at all hours of [the] night. I am not political. I am not a politician. I do not have thick skin. These are comments about my business, which I am passionate about and very proud of. Your comments and abusive phone calls hurt me.”
As well as a Durham Liberal candidate, Mr. Rock is Scugog’s Ward 3 Councillor.