Statement from Whitby Mayor Elizabeth Roy on Recent Acts of Hate and Community Support

Earlier this week, our community was shaken by news that a man had been charged with threatening to carry out a shooting at a synagogue in Durham Region.

I am deeply alarmed that on the heels of this incident, a Whitby man has now been arrested and charged with promoting anti-Muslim hate and violence online.

Two disturbing incidents targeting two faith communities in the same week should concern every one of us.

I share the sentiments expressed by Durham Regional Police Chief Peter Moreira in his statement condemning these acts of hate. I want to thank Durham Regional Police Service, including the Hate Crime Unit, for acting quickly when threats of hate and violence are identified.

This week, I met with the DRPS superintendent and members of the Hate Crime Unit to discuss these incidents and the work underway to keep our communities safe. I will remain in close contact with police and continue working with community and faith leaders on how we can support those affected and strengthen our collective response to hate.

To our Jewish and Muslim friends and neighbours: I stand with you. Whitby stands with you.

Hate directed at one community affects us all. It creates fear, tears at our sense of belonging and weakens the trust that holds a community together. We cannot dismiss it, normalize it, or remain silent when we encounter it.

Every one of us has a role to play. If you witness hate in person or see it online, please report it.

Non-emergency hate crimes and incidents can be reported to Durham Regional Police at 905-579-1520. If there is an immediate threat or emergency, call 911. More information about the DRPS response to hate crimes is available at drps.ca/community-safety-and-support/hate-crime.

Residents can also report hate safely and confidentially through Durham Region’s Community-Based Hate Reporting Program, delivered in partnership with Victim Services of Durham Region. The program accepts anonymous and witness-submitted reports at durham.ca/HateReporting.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Office of the Mayor

Jillian Follert
Public Affairs Coordinator, Office of the Mayor
Phone: 289.314.9101
Email: follertj@whitby.ca