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Toronto (April 3, 2025) – Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center (FSWC) is raising the alarm after learning that a Brantford, Ont. man recently convicted of advocating genocide and promoting hate is a candidate in this month’s Canadian federal election.

Elections Canada has confirmed Leslie Bory as an independent candidate for the new electoral district of Brantford-Brant South-Six Nations in southwestern Ontario.

In January, Bory was found guilty of advocating genocide, wilful promotion of hatred and uttering threats after posting online videos in which he glorified Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler, denied the Holocaust, spread antisemitic conspiracy theories and called for violence against Jewish people, police and specific politicians. He was also found in possession of firearms and ammunition.

In his videos, Bory accused Jews of orchestrating a genocide "against white people" through various systems – including claiming that vaccines were being used as a tool for mass murder and that police act as their "death squad." He openly promoted the "extermination" of Jews, stating, "You’re doing exactly to the Jews what they’re trying to do to us, and this COVID murder is 1,000 Holocausts worth of killing." He also urged his followers to bring their guns and ammunition to his home to "go on safari" and "take back our nation."

Last month, a judge sentenced Bory to 36 months – equivalent to his two years of time served – plus one year of probation. FSWC, which delivered a community impact statement at his sentencing, expressed deep disappointment with Bory’s minimal sentence. The ruling, which falls far short of the seven-year term recommended by Crown prosecutors, is inconsistent with the severity of his crimes.

Bory has run in multiple past federal and provincial elections. The Canada Elections Act does not prohibit convicted criminals from running for office.

FSWC is deeply concerned that, as a candidate, Bory will have access to a complete list of voters in his riding, including members of the Jewish community and other at-risk groups.

"It’s highly disturbing that a man convicted of advocating genocide and spreading hateful rhetoric against Jewish people now has access to voters' personal information, including that of the very community that he targeted with calls for their mass murder," said FSWC President and CEO Michael Levitt. "This is a glaring blind spot in our electoral system and a serious security concern. Law enforcement and Elections Canada must implement safeguards to ensure the safety of all constituents in Bory's riding."

FSWC has engaged with Brantford Police Service leadership to express concerns about the security of the Jewish community and others targeted previously by Bory's hate.

Additionally, in a letter to Elections Canada Chief Electoral Officer Stéphane Perrault, FSWC voiced alarm over Bory’s candidacy and receipt of his riding's voter list, as well as urged Elections Canada to publicly outline any safeguards to be put in place to protect those targeted by Bory's hateful rhetoric.