FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BCMA Calls for Immediate Accountability Over Anti-Muslim Rhetoric During BC Election

The BC Muslim Association is deeply concerned by anti-Muslim social media posts attributed to Katy Merrifield, Campaign Director of the Conservative Party of British Columbia.

On June 17, 2026, Ms. Merrifield reportedly posted “f*ck Islam,” described Islam as an “abhorrent ideology,” and urged others to expel it in the name of defending “Western civilization.” Days later, she reportedly reposted a message declaring that “Islam is a literal rape culture.” These statements cannot be dismissed as a single mistake, a momentary lapse in judgment, or a private matter.

This is especially serious during a BC election period. A campaign director is not a minor or incidental role. A person in that position helps shape strategy, messaging, tone, and public engagement for a political party seeking to govern this province. Anti-Muslim rhetoric from such a senior campaign figure undermines public trust and makes Muslim British Columbians question whether their safety, dignity, and belonging are being taken seriously.

Muslims are not outsiders to British Columbia, Canada, or North America. Muslim roots in North America go back centuries, and Muslim presence in what became Canada predates Confederation. Today, Muslims are parents, neighbours, students, teachers, workers, business owners, volunteers, public servants, and community builders. Our faith and our community must not be vilified for political gain or dismissed as collateral damage in electoral debate.

BCMA is a non-partisan community organization. We do not endorse or oppose any political party or candidate. Our concern is the safety, dignity, and equal belonging of Muslim British Columbians.

BCMA calls on the Leader of the Conservative Party of British Columbia to address this matter urgently and remove Ms. Merrifield from any campaign leadership or public-facing role. We further ask the party to issue a clear public apology to Muslim British Columbians, confirm that anti-Muslim rhetoric has no place in its campaign or organization, and outline concrete steps to ensure this does not happen again.

Accountability cannot stop at words. We call on all political parties to adopt and enforce clear standards against Islamophobia, antisemitism, racism, xenophobia, and religious bigotry; to provide appropriate anti-racism and anti-Islamophobia training for campaign staff and senior officials; and to act swiftly when those standards are violated.

Political debate must be robust, but it must never dehumanize a faith community or make any community feel unsafe in democratic life. British Columbia deserves an election where all people can participate with dignity, security, and respect.

BCMA