By Mahmood Haqdost
Wesal TV( Whitby): Whitby Mayor Elizabeth Roy says hateful and anti-Muslim comments directed at local Muslim women have no place in the community.
In a statement to Wesal TV on Wednesday, Roy said she attended a lunch over the weekend hosted by ICNA Sisters Whitby, a not-for-profit group of Muslim women involved in community initiatives such as park cleanups, parenting programs and mental health workshops.
After sharing a photo from the event on social media and thanking the group for their hospitality, Roy said the post attracted hundreds of comments within hours.
“The majority were racist, anti-Muslim, demeaning and threatening. Some targeted the Muslim women in the photo because of how they were dressed or questioned whether they belong in Canada,” Roy said. “Some mocked their faith and culture. Many crossed the line into outright hate speech.”
Roy said the incident was not isolated.
Over the past two years, Whitby has experienced several hate-related incidents, including anti-Muslim graffiti, repeated acts of antisemitic vandalism and, just weeks ago, hateful online rhetoric directed at the Muslim Welfare Home in Whitby.
“While these actions may represent a small minority of voices, their impact on those targeted is significant,” she said.
Roy says as mayor, she represents every resident of the town, regardless of race, faith, culture, age, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity or political perspective.
Since being elected in 2022, she said she has attended events hosted by Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu and Sikh communities, as well as gatherings involving seniors, veterans, Indigenous communities, newcomers, accessibility advocates, environmental groups, business owners, youth leaders, and 2SLGBTQIA advocates and allies.
“Every single Whitby resident deserves to feel seen, welcomed and represented by their local government,” Roy said.
“That is how I have approached this role since being elected in 2022, and it is how I will continue to approach it.”
Addressing members of Whitby’s Muslim community who were affected by the comments, Roy added: “Please know this: you belong here.”
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