10/13/2026
Demand for Removal of Conservative Party of BC Campaign Director
October 13, 2026|Islamophobia, Press Releases
October 13, 2026
To: The Honourable Lorne Doerks Interim Leader - Conservative Party of BC Dear Lorne Doerkson,
UMABC represents Mosques and Islamic organizations across British Columbia. The undersigned organizations call on you to remove Katy Merrifield from her role as Campaign Director of the Conservative Party of BC in light of her public statements about Islam..
On June 17, 2026, Ms. Merrifield posted "F-ck Islam", called Islam an "abhorrent ideology" and urged her audience to expel it in the name of defending "Western civilization." She says she deleted the post within hours. Yet days later, she reposted a message from writer Meghan Murphy declaring that "Islam is a literal r**e culture." This was not a single outburst she regretted and withdrew.
These are not criticisms of crime or extremism. They are attacks on a faith practised by hundreds of thousands of British Columbians. Calling to expel Islam means calling to expel our families and neighbours, and labelling it a "r**e culture" brands every Muslim a predator or an accomplice.
We extend our sincere compassion to Ms. Merrifield as a survivor of sexual violence, and to all survivors. Our faith condemns such crimes without reservation. But anger at crimes committed by individuals cannot justify condemning an entire religion.
A campaign director, who shapes the party's message and candidate conduct, should not be held to a lower standard. Hate does not need to call for violence to cause harm, and accountability should not depend on rank.
The depth of anger and sadness expressed across our member mosques is profound, with many noting that her remarks are directed at our entire community and causing genuine hurt and fear. She now has become the public face of your party in the eyes of our congregants.
A deleted post followed by more of the same is not accountability. If the Conservative Party of BC is serious about challenging lslamophobia, Ms. Merrifield must be removed from her role.
We welcome a conversation once you have taken action. Until then, many of our congregants have advised us that they do not wish to see B.C. Conservative candidates in our mosque, and while dialogue will always be welcomed, we have an obligation to inform the party as to what our congregations are telling us.
Sincerely,
Abu Bakr Islamic Centre
Islamic Society of Ridge Meadows
Ajyal Islamic Center
Kamloops Islamic Association
Al Ihsan Islamic centre
Masjid Al Huda
Al Iman Islamic Centre
Masjid Al Noor
Al-Ihsan Educational Foundation
Masjid Al Sahaba
Al-Masjid Al-Jamia Vancouver
Mission City Islamic Center Society
BC Muslim and Arab Professionals
Muslim Association of Canada, Vancouver
BC Muslim Association
Muslim Food Bank and Community Services
Canada Islamic Cultural Society
Muslim Justice Society of BC
Canadian Turkish Educational and Cultural Foundation
Muslim Youth Centre
Cloverdale Islamic Society
SFU MSA
Fiji Islamic Center
TRU Muslim Students Association
Fleetwood Islamic Academy Society
Vernon Muslim Association
Guildford Islamic Cultural Centre
White Rock Muslim Association
UMABC
Unified Muslim Associations of BC
WWW.UMABC.CA
[email protected]
