Canada sees arrests amid Anti-Immigration rally in Toronto; counter protest draws hundreds

Toronto [Canada]: Toronto police arrested 10 people on Saturday after an anti-immigration rally at Christie Pits Park escalated alongside a large counter-protest, according to CBC News.

Police said the first arrest took place around 12:40 p.m. near Bloor Street West and Christie Street for assault. By evening, a total of 10 arrests had been confirmed in connection with both demonstrations.

The rally, called the Canada First Patriot Rally, was organised to oppose what participants described as “mass immigration.” In social media posts, organisers claimed the event aimed to defend Canadian values and prioritise citizens over newcomers. Rally organiser Joe Anidjar told Radio-Canada the protest was about “putting Canadian people first” and argued that immigration levels are straining national resources.

In response, hundreds of counter-protesters gathered at the same park in support of immigrant and marginalised communities. The Ontario Federation of Labour noted that Christie Pits Park has long been a hub for anti-fascist action and remains significant for groups including migrants, Indigenous people, LGBTQ+ communities, and the unhoused.

Deena Ladd, executive director of the Workers’ Action Centre, criticised the anti-immigration stance, saying immigrants were being unfairly blamed for broader economic challenges. “They’re blaming our communities for housing shortages, food insecurity, and gaps in healthcare. That’s not the fault of immigrants,” she told CBC.

Toronto police briefly closed parts of Bloor Street West and nearby areas to manage the demonstrations. Roads were later reopened as participants dispersed toward Sankofa Square.

The unrest comes days after Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney called the country’s immigration levels “unsustainable” and urged urgent reforms to ensure a more focused approach to immigration policy.