Toronto police are investigating after a Liberal marketing campaign volunteer mentioned she was harassed for sporting a hijab whereas door knocking after which adopted down a avenue whereas strolling away with different volunteers.
The younger girl was subjected to racial slurs and aggressive questions, and criticized by a resident for sporting a hijab on Wednesday in her first day as a volunteer, mentioned Salma Zahid, Liberal candidate for Scarborough Centre-Don Valley East.
Zahid mentioned a male marketing campaign volunteer who was subsequent door intervened as a result of he felt the girl is perhaps attacked by the resident. A few different volunteers have been additionally door knocking, and Zahid mentioned the resident then adopted the group for a couple of minutes.
“It’s actually unlucky and disturbing to see incidents like this,” Zahid mentioned in an interview with CBC Toronto on Friday.
“Let’s respect one another’s views. It is OK to disagree, however incidents like this can solely weaken our democratic course of.”
In a put up on X, previously Twitter, on Thursday, Zahid mentioned the volunteer was “very shaken” by the incident. Zahid mentioned the volunteer has advised her she is not going to go door knocking once more.
“I need to be clear that this form of incident has no place in our neighborhood. We’re a welcoming and various neighborhood the place folks from around the globe have chosen to name house,” Zahid mentioned within the put up.
“Moreover, as a lady who additionally wears the hijab, and was subjected to racist feedback after I made this choice, I stand to be clear that nobody — no authorities, no employer, no neighbour — has the fitting to inform a lady what she will be able to and can’t select to put on.”
Const. Cindy Chung, spokesperson for the Toronto Police Service, mentioned a report in regards to the incident was filed and the investigation is constant. Chung offered no different particulars.
On its web site, the federal authorities says Islamophobia “consists of racism, stereotypes, prejudice, worry or acts of hostility directed in the direction of particular person Muslims or followers of Islam normally.”
‘It is completely unacceptable,’ advocacy group says
Reem Sheet, spokesperson for the Nationwide Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM), an advocacy and foyer group, mentioned on Friday the council has been listening to reviews of hate on the marketing campaign path throughout the nation in opposition to varied political events.
Sheet mentioned the council is anxious such incidents will discourage folks from getting concerned.
“I imply, sadly, it truly is in all places and it is completely unacceptable,” Sheet mentioned.
“It is so unlucky that these volunteers are taking trip of their day to be part of this election, and the reception they’ve been getting is simply unfavorable and typically even violent.”
The federal election is April 28. Advance polls opened Friday.
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