TORONTO, ONTARIO — Police are investigating a suspected arson after two vehicles, including one belonging to Member of Parliament Salma Zahid, were intentionally set on fire outside her residence overnight.
No injuries were reported, and the fire was extinguished before causing structural damage to the home.
The incident occurred during the overnight hours at the residence of the MP for Scarborough Centre-Don Valley East. According to Zahid, her son first noticed the flames outside their home, prompting the family and surrounding neighbors to immediately call 911.
Toronto Fire Services arrived on the scene promptly and successfully doused the blaze. While both vehicles involved were completely destroyed, firefighters managed to prevent the flames from spreading to the house.
In a public statement, Zahid confirmed that she and her family escaped unharmed.
"My family and I are all safe... We are grateful and relieved there was no further damage," Zahid said, expressing her gratitude to emergency crews and neighbors who raised the alarm.
The Toronto Police Service and Toronto Fire Services have launched a joint investigation into the incident, treating it as a suspected act of arson. The investigation has been directed to Toronto Police 43 Division.
Zahid declined to comment on potential reasons behind the target, choosing instead to await official findings from law enforcement.
"I don’t want to speculate on a possible motive. We will await the results of the investigation," Zahid stated. "But such attacks are unacceptable and will not deter me from my work serving Scarborough Centre-Don Valley East."
Prime Minister Mark Carney issued a strong condemnation following the incident, characterizing the blaze as a deliberate act of intimidation against an elected official.
"This is a cowardly act of violence and intimidation. It is unacceptable. It is not who we are as Canadians," Carney said in an official statement.
The Prime Minister expressed relief over the safety of Zahid and her family while offering full federal support to local authorities investigating the crime. Carney added that Toronto Police have his complete backing as they search for the individual or individuals responsible, emphasizing that those involved must be held accountable "to the fullest extent of the law."
The targeting of the veteran MP has sent shockwaves through her local riding, where Zahid has long been recognized for her active community engagement and advocacy.
Zahid has been a strong and prominent supporter of Ontario’s Filipino-Canadian community. She was the one who introduced Motion M-155 in the House of Commons, which passed unanimously to officially designate June as Filipino Heritage Month across Canada. Her ongoing work with local cultural groups in Scarborough and across the province has made her a well-known ally to Filipino-Canadians.
Authorities urge anyone with information regarding the overnight incident to contact Toronto Police Service 43 Division or submit anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers.
