Clashes erupt at anti-immigration rally in Toronto

The rally began around noon and was promoted as a family-friendly gathering under the banner of ‘Canada First’. Flyers circulated in August called for halting mass immigration and deporting those deemed illegal or burdensome, echoing slogans seen in similar movements across Europe.

Anidjar, a frequent critic of government policy on social media, urged supporters to bring Canadian flags and resist what he described as an “invasion.” Videos and live streams showed between 100 and 300 participants chanting patriotic slogans and singing ‘O Canada’ before attempting to march.

Counter-protesters—including anti-fascist activists, labour unions, and pro-immigration advocates—outnumbered the rally participants several times over. They chanted “Nazi-free since ’33,” referencing the historic 1933 Christie Pits riot in the same park.

Videos captured heated confrontations, with counter-demonstrators accusing rally-goers of promoting hate and racism. One early altercation between an alleged Antifa member and a Canada First supporter led to an arrest before the main standoff intensified.

The Toronto police maintained a heavy presence, forming lines to separate the groups. By mid-afternoon, Canada First participants were forced to leave the park as counter-protesters cheered. Police said arrests were made on both sides for offences including assault and public disturbance, though charges were not immediately disclosed. No serious injuries were reported, but footage showed protesters pushing against barriers and shouting across police lines.

Anidjar addressed his supporters before leaving and later posted online, framing the rally as resistance to government corruption, “two-tier policing,” and cultural erosion. He cited inspiration from British activist Tommy Robinson, whose “Unite the Kingdom” rally in London drew tens of thousands the same day.

Despite disruptions, Anidjar declared the Toronto event a success for raising awareness, vowing to continue. “This is the beginning of restoring our country’s greatness,” he said in a video message.

Local leaders and politicians condemned the rally as divisive and rooted in far-right ideology. Posters for the event had drawn criticism weeks earlier, with NDP MP Charlie Angus and former councillor Dianne Saxe urging residents to oppose what they described as hate speech. They pointed out that Toronto was built by immigrants.

Workers’ Action Centre executive director Deena Ladd, who attended the counter-rally, told CBC Toronto that Canada First organisers “were unfairly blaming newcomers for social problems”.

Evan Balgord, executive director of the Canadian Anti-Hate Network, told Toronto Today that the language used in Canada First posters carried a far-right tone. “Remigration,” she said, “is synonymous with ethnic cleansing.”