B.C. Conservative Leader John Rustad on Wednesday said in a post on X: “Vancouver’s new City Councillor Sean Orr says a “secret cabal of Jews” controls Vancouver’s Planning Department. This is some of the worst antisemitism we’ve seen from a public official in Vancouver, which is sadly a high bar to cross.”

Rustad added: “But, not only is Sean Orr expressing antisemitic views — he is being specifically antisemitic towards people who he holds a position of authority over in his new workplace at Vancouver City Hall.

“So now — on his very first day of work at his new job, Sean Orr owes Vancouverites, and especially Vancouver’s Jewish community, an apology for his past antisemitism and comments towards city staff. Our newest city of Vancouver councillor is off to a great start…”

Orr, who’s with COPE (Coalition of Progressive Electors), had tweeted on August 31, 2021″ “Everyone knows Vancouver city planners are controlled by a secret cabal of Jews who have a bunker in the earth’s core fml.” [“fml” is “the taboo expression ‘ f**k my life’: used esp in social media, text messages, etc to indicate despair at one’s personal circumstances,” according to Collins Dictionary]

Orr, responding to criticism, tweeted: “In 2021, I sarcastically quoted the comedian David Cross while condemning an antisemitic dogwhistle on Twitter. I was defending Karm Sumal against the claim he was a “globalist shill.” I have been outspoken over the years opposing all forms of racism including anti-semitism.”

Orr also tweeted: “Criticizing the far-right [Israeli] Netanyahu govt for committing war crimes against civilian populations is the right thing to do. Criticizing that is not antisemitism. I agree with Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, the United Nations, and the International Criminal Court.”

He added: “In this climate of resurgent fascism and the rise of the far right, we must all be vigilant and stand up against hate. I will always stand up for communities who are attacked or scapegoated.”

Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim told the media: “Such language is unacceptable from anyone, let alone someone who has been entrusted with public service and community leadership. As mayor, I will not allow a councillor to divide our city, and we call for full accountability and urge Councillor-elect Sean Orr to immediately address these multiple statements directly and transparently.”

Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver CEO Ezra Shanken asked for an apology from Orr and COPE.