Sheldon Clare, the BC Conservative candidate in Prince George-North Cariboo, has written a lengthy statement denying rumours and allegations he says are circulating about him.
"These accusations are deeply painful because they do not align with who I am or the principles I’ve lived by for over three decades as a college instructor and historian," he wrote.
He did, however, admit to comparing the federal Liberal government to fascist regimes during the pandemic.
In the statement, Clare mentions allegations about his professional life - he is a College of New Caledonia history professor - and his interest in firearms.
"I’ve been accused of inappropriate behaviour, such as forming social connections with former students and owning firearms, all of which have been twisted to question my integrity," he wrote. "I want to be clear: I have always taken my role as a mentor and educator seriously, and any relationships I’ve formed have been based on mutual respect. My love for the shooting sports is well-known, and as a firearms safety instructor, I have always emphasized responsibility and discipline."
Clare also writes that things have been said about his divorce, saying it was difficult and acrimonious. "While such matters are often painful and private, it is now being used to paint a distorted picture of who I am," he wrote.
He called allegations that he harbours feelings of racism and misogyny "deeply painful," saying they don't align with his principles.
The piece was submitted to The Citizen for consideration as a guest opinion column. However, The Citizen does not publish op-ed items, including columns and letters to the editor, from candidates during election periods.
Clare did say he made "inflammatory" comments about COVID-19 restrictions during the pandemic, including a comparison of Canada to the authoritarian governments of Europe in the 1930s.
"I have reflected deeply on these issues and want to assure everyone that I am committed to advocating for accountability, fairness, and personal freedoms in ways that unite rather than divide," he wrote.
Clare was contacted by The Citizen Friday morning and said that with the exception of one minor error he stands by the statement. He said he would follow up with an explanation of the error but could not be reached later in the day.
Citizen staff were unable to find any online evidence of the things Clare wrote were being said about him, and the paper has not received any tips or other information about Clare.
