JFBC and CIJA React to Vancouver Integrity Commissioner Report

Vancouver, B.C. – May 14, 2026 – Today, Vancouver’s Integrity Commissioner released a report regarding an April 8, 2025, press conference where Mayor Sim questioned problematic past statements made by Councillor Sean Orr and an October 4, 2025, social media post by Mayor Sim reacting to Councillor Orr’s participation in an antisemitic protest.

In response, Ezra Shanken, CEO, Jewish Federation of British Columbia, said: 

“Today’s report from Vancouver’s Integrity Commissioner shows an apparent double standard. On December 17, 2025, the ad hoc Commissioner dismissed a complaint filed by Jewish community organizations concerning Councillor Orr. This is why we are grateful to Mayor Ken Sim for raising our community’s concerns about Orr’s social media posts and conduct.”

Also responding, Nico Slobinsky, Vice President – Pacific Region, Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, said: 

“At a time when Jewish Vancouverites are experiencing increased hostility and antisemitism, words matter. Councillor Sean Orr has yet to show accountability for past social media posts, including claiming that city planners were controlled by a “secret cabal of Jews,” and calling for the “destruction of both Israel and Canada.” While a City Councillor, Orr spoke at the “Flood for Palestine” protest organized by Al-Awda, a group with links to Samidoun, which was designated as a terrorist entity under the Criminal Code in October 2024.

“Councillor Orr must take responsibility and retract his past statements, explain his actions, publicly apologize, and commit to learning about the harm he has created.”

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