Mayor Elizabeth Roy of Whitby, Ontario, released a statement this week after a media representative was removed from Town Hall by police. The individual, identified as David Menzies, reportedly made council members and staff feel intimidated after a public meeting had ended on March 23, 2026.
Town security staff warned the representative several times that his behaviour was not acceptable before calling for assistance. Durham Regional Police arrived at the building around 11:30 p.m. to escort him outside. While no charges were laid at the time, police are still looking into the situation.
Mayor Roy explained that the town remains open to the press, mentioning that more than two dozen different news groups have covered Whitby issues lately. She stressed that the decision to involve police was about keeping the workplace safe and preventing the harassment of women in public office.
There are currently five women serving on the Whitby Town Council, which represents more than half of the elected group. This incident occurred as the community prepares for the upcoming municipal election on October 26, 2026.
