Ten Arrested as Protests Erupt During ‘Canada First’ Rally in Toronto

Ten individuals were arrested during an anti-immigration protest in Toronto on March 16, 2024, following violent clashes with counter-demonstrators. The protests occurred at Christie Pits Park, where the “Canada First Rally” took place, advocating for policies to “Stop mass immigration” and “Start mass deportations.”

According to a post from the Toronto Police Service on X, one man was arrested for assault, while the charges for the other nine individuals remain undisclosed. The rally drew a significant number of participants who expressed their anti-immigration sentiments, but they were met with a larger group of pro-immigration counter-demonstrators. The latter chanted, “You will never get your way. Immigrants are here to stay,” highlighting the stark divisions in opinion surrounding immigration in Canada.

Clashes and Community Reaction

The tension escalated when anti-immigration protesters confronted the counter-demonstrators shortly after arriving at the park. Toronto City Councillor Dianne Saxe condemned the anti-immigration rally, labeling it a “hate demonstration” in a social media post prior to the event. Saxe stated, “This rally does not represent what we stand for as a city or as Canadians,” emphasizing the park’s historical significance as a site opposing hate.

She actively participated in the counter-protests, expressing her belief that “this is our home, and in Toronto, this is how we stand up for those wishing to spread division and hate.” Her comments reflect a broader community sentiment against the ideologies promoted by the rally’s organizers.

Toronto police had prepared for the protests, confirming their awareness of the planned events at Christie Pits Park. Officers were deployed along the route as protesters moved from the park through Bloor St. W. into downtown Toronto. While many counter-demonstrators remained at the park, a few followed the anti-immigration group as they marched.

Context and Future Developments

The demonstration in Toronto coincided with a larger protest in London, U.K., organized by far-right activist Tommy Robinson, which reportedly attracted more than 110,000 participants. This international context illustrates the rising tensions surrounding immigration issues across various countries.

Toronto police have indicated that they will release additional details about the arrests in a forthcoming news statement, ensuring transparency regarding the events that unfolded. The protests highlight ongoing debates about immigration policy and community values, with significant implications for local and national discussions in Canada.