Toronto police reported that ten individuals were arrested during a rally and counter-protest at Christie Pits Park on Saturday. The event featured a pro-immigration demonstration opposing the “Canada First Rally,” which advocates for stricter immigration policies and mass deportations.

The rally began shortly after noon, with supporters of the Canada First Rally gathering at the southwest corner of the park. They were quickly surrounded by a large group of counter-protesters who expressed their opposition to what they described as racist sentiments. The counter-demonstrators held signs reading “My Canadian Value: Inclusion and Multiculturalism” and chanted, “You will never get your way. Immigrants are here to stay.”

To ensure safety, police formed a barrier between the two groups, using officers and bicycles to separate them. Joe Anidjar, the organizer of the Canada First Rally, stated, “When I bring out these patriots that you see around me right now, this is to put us in the forefront for a change.” He expressed concerns about immigration levels, saying, “It has to stop. I’m not saying no to immigrants. I say we need to slow it down.”

Recent polling indicates a shift in Canadian attitudes toward immigration. A long-term tracking poll revealed that 58% of Canadians believe there is too much immigration, a significant increase from 44% in 2023 and 27% in 2022. This marks the first time in 25 years that a majority of Canadians have expressed this sentiment.

The Canada First Rally has drawn criticism since its announcement in August. Organizers aimed to attract “true Canadian patriots” who oppose current immigration policies. In response to the rally, counter-protesters organized under the banner “No to Hate, Yes to Immigrants!” They emphasized the park's history as a space for vulnerable communities and called for unity against hate.

Deana Ladd, a co-organizer of the counter-protest, highlighted the park's significance to immigrant communities. “Christie Pits is a park which many immigrant communities celebrate and come together and spend time with families and children,” she said. Ladd criticized the scapegoating of immigrants during economic hardships, stating, “Racism is used as a strategic tool to have us pointing the finger at each other instead of the real people who are making these poor policy decisions.”

As the protests unfolded, police reported that one individual was arrested for assault, while details regarding the other arrests were not disclosed. Portions of Bloor Street were closed to accommodate the demonstrations. City councillor Dianne Saxe expressed her dismay over the rally, calling it a “hate demonstration” and noting that many constituents had voiced their concerns.

The counter-protesters, who included musicians and community volunteers, aimed to demonstrate solidarity and support for immigrants. They provided free ice cream to attendees, further emphasizing their message of inclusion.

At around 1 p.m., the Canada First supporters, escorted by police, marched from Christie Pits Park through various streets to Sankofa Square, with a small group of counter-demonstrators following behind.