Pre-election robocalls called ‘divisive’ and the ‘worst of American politics’ by town mayor in Ontario

Whitby Mayor Elizabeth Roy is calling out a series of automated phone calls about her performance as a “disrespectful and divisive approach” that “mirrors the worst of American-style politics, relying on outrage, distraction and personal attacks.”

The calls, sent to Whitby residents over the past week, contain “misleading claims” about her and the work of Whitby and Durham Regional Council.

The robocalls also ask residents whether they would vote for Roy or for Regional Councillor Chris Leahy, “if an election were held tomorrow.”

“This is part of a concerning pattern of political conduct, one that I have repeatedly called out,” Roy said. “Sharing misinformation, intentionally or otherwise, erodes public trust and undermines the work of Whitby Council, town staff and our community partners.”

In October every member pf council endorsed the Elect Respect campaign created by Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward and other women leaders in Halton Region who are concerned about the rise in harmful and disrespectful political tactics.

The campaign calls on politicians to engage with integrity and respect and those who endorsed the campaign agreed to “reject and call out harassment, abuse, and personal attacks” and treat others with dignity and respect in all spaces, including public, private, and online.

“These robocalls run directly against the spirit and purpose of that pledge – and I am calling out this behaviour.”

Robocall transcription – Nov. 5, 2025

1) If the election for mayor of Whitby were held today, which candidate would you vote for? (Chris Leahy, Elizabeth Roy, Roger Gordon)

2) In an election for mayor of Whitby were held today, who would be your second choice?

3) How much blame do you associate with Elizabeth Roy for not voting to disclose details of the $54 million cost of renovating regional headquarters, which included $1 million on the controversial revolving door? (large amount, small amount, none, not sure)

4) How much blame do you associate with Elizabeth Roy for sitting on the board of directors of Elexicon and refusing to vote for reduced pay after losing $3.2 million in annual income for the Town of Whitby (large amount, small amount, none, not sure)

5) How much blame do you associate with Elizabeth Roy for supporting spending $13 million of tax dollars on property to house a homeless shelter, when that same property was valued at only $8 million five months earlier (large amount, small amount, none, not sure)

6) How much have you heard about Chris Leahy being reprimanded by the integrity commissioner for criticizing fellow councillors for racist treatment of one councillor with 65 hours of video evidence? (A lot, a little, none, not sure)