"‘Made me feel empty’: Indigenous Muslim man files human rights complaint against TD Bank," 2 Mar. 2022

A First Nations man in British Columbia has filed a human rights complaint against TD Bank, alleging discrimination after an employee refused to help him open a bank account.

... In a written statement, TD Bank said it was “troubled to hear about Mr. Bhamji’s experience” and acknowledged “the hurt that was caused.”

“We have reached out to make a personal apology, to hear more about his experience, and to assure him that we are taking this matter very seriously and will be conducting a full review of what took place,” wrote Ryan-Sang Lee, a Vancouver-based manger for TD corporate and public affairs.

“We recognize the reality of systemic racism and the courage it takes to speak out. We will respectfully engage and cooperate with the Canadian Human Rights Commission process.”

... Bhamji is the second member of Heiltsuk First Nation to file a complaint against against a Canadian bank.

... “It’s really apparent that financial institutions in Canada need to acknowledge the systemic racial biases within the institutions,” [Heitsuk Chief Marilyn Slett] said. “Clearly there needs to be a lot more work done around cultural awareness and sensitivity with Indigenous people in financial institutions.”