Premier Ranj Pillai has expressed his “disgust” at spray painted vandalism committed on the Marsh Lake property of Tourism and Culture Minister John Streicker and his wife, Susan.

The scrawlings included references to COVID vaccination programs, masking and the Civil Emergency Measures Act.

One instance was an unpublishable expletive directed at the two-term Liberal minister.

Streicker had been in Dawson City attending a conference.

“Across Canada – and particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic – we have seen an increase in violence against politicians, members of their family, and their homes and offices,” Pillai said Sunday.

“While political protest and free speech are important tenants of our democracy, when political speech turns threatening, defaces or destroys property, makes someone feel unsafe in their home, or threatens an individual and their family’s personal safety, we must join as a society to condemn such acts,” the premier said.

Over the weekend, Pillai added, “I was troubled to learn that minister John Streicker is the latest victim of such violence.

“His home was vandalized with profanity, by-name threats to him and his wife, and political statements related to government decisions that kept Yukoners safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Pillai said he wants to speak directly to the individual or individuals “who carried out these attacks.

“However strong your disagreement with the decisions of the Yukon government, the way you chose to express yourself is disappointing and unacceptable.

“As a Yukoner, you should be above this, relying on a healthy debate of issues to get your points across, not violence and intimidation.”

The vandalism has been reported to the RCMP.

As well, Pillai said, “minister Streicker and his wife are co-operating with police.

“These actions will not stop him from representing Yukoners, and providing the important perspective he brings to the table as a member of the Yukon’s cabinet.

“I want to thank minister Streicker for his continued service to Yukoners and once again state my disgust with the way the individuals responsible for this violence chose to conduct themselves.”