TD Bank settles human rights complaint with B.C. Muslim-Indigenous man over racial profiling incident

TD Bank has settled a human rights complaint with Sharif Mohammed Bhamji, a Muslim-Indigenous man who says he was racially profiled while attempting to open a bank account at a Surrey branch in 2021.

Bhamji — a member of the Heiltsuk Nation whose father is Muslim and mother is Heiltsuk — says a teller questioned the validity of his Indian status card, suggesting it was fake because of his last name. He left the branch frustrated, believing the matter was over, until police unexpectedly showed up at his home.

While officers quickly determined nothing was fraudulent, the experience prompted Bhamji and the Heiltsuk Nation to file a complaint with the Canadian Human Rights Commission in 2022.

“It just felt so wrong,” Bhamji said. “I felt like I needed to do something.”

Settlement includes damages — and a traditional healing ceremony

The settlement terms remain confidential, but the Heiltsuk Nation says it includes:

• general damages for Bhamji,

• funding for the Urban Heiltsuk Support Team in Vancouver, and

• covered costs for a traditional washing ceremony, held Sunday in Bella Bella.

The bank also committed to improving its training and procedures around status cards — a key point for the Heiltsuk Nation, which joined the complaint.

Chief Marilyn Slett said TD’s participation in the ceremony represents a powerful step forward.

“It sets a precedent for corporate accountability in Canada,” Slett said. “That really aids in healing.”

TD apologizes: ‘Unconscious bias can lead to discrimination’

In a written statement, TD spokesperson Mick Ramos apologized to Bhamji and his family, acknowledging that unconscious bias played a role.

“We strive to do better,” Ramos said. “We wholeheartedly apologize for Mr. Bhamji’s experience and have taken steps to ensure it doesn’t happen again.”

Bhamji said he has moved his banking to another institution but holds no resentment.

“I’m glad TD worked with us to find a solution.”

Pattern of incidents involving status cards

This is not the first case involving a Heiltsuk member facing racial profiling at a bank. In 2019, Maxwell Johnson and his 12-year-old granddaughter were handcuffed while trying to open an account at BMO — a case that also led to a settlement with both the bank and Vancouver police.

Chief Slett says the repeated incidents show a systemic problem, but also an opportunity for the banking sector to change.

“Cases like these allow institutions to review their policies so it doesn’t happen again.”

Bhamji hopes his experience encourages other Indigenous and racialized people to speak up.

“It’s not the full solution, but it’s part of it — and I’m glad to be part of that solution.”