TD Bank Reaches Settlement After Surrey Man Alleges Racial Profiling
A human rights case involving TD Bank and a Surrey resident has reached a formal settlement following an incident that sparked national conversation about racial bias in financial institutions.
A Surrey Resident’s Experience
Sharif Mohammed Bhamji — a Muslim-Indigenous member of the Heiltsuk Nation — attempted to verify his identity at a TD branch near his Surrey home in May 2021 after completing an online account application.
When he presented his Indian status card, the teller questioned its authenticity due to his Muslim surname, telling him the card was “fake.”
Bhamji left frustrated, believing the matter was over — until police arrived at his home later, inquiring about the situation. Officers ultimately found nothing fraudulent, but the experience pushed him to file a 2022 human rights complaint with the Heiltsuk First Nation.
Healing, Accountability, and Settlement
The Heiltsuk Nation confirmed that the settlement includes general damages, funding for its Urban Heiltsuk Support Team in Vancouver, and support for a traditional washing ceremony held in Bella Bella. The monetary terms were not disclosed.
TD Bank executives participated in the ceremony, which Chief Marilyn Slett described as a significant step toward corporate accountability.
The bank says it has since improved its training and internal processes related to status card use.
TD spokesperson Mick Ramos apologized to Bhamji, his family, and the Heiltsuk community, saying the institution aims to “ensure this doesn’t happen again.”
A Larger Pattern of Racial Injustice
Chief Slett pointed out that the issue is not isolated. Another high-profile complaint involving BMO and the Heiltsuk Nation arose after Maxwell Johnson and his granddaughter were handcuffed in 2019 while trying to open an account.
She said such cases force institutions to confront systemic issues and revise their policies.
A Hope for Change
Bhamji says he hopes the settlement encourages others who face similar injustices to come forward.
Though he has since moved his banking elsewhere, he holds no resentment toward TD.
“I’m glad they worked with us and found a solution,” he said, calling the process an important step toward broader cultural change.
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