Canada First Rally Toronto Overwhelmed by Counter-Protesters

The Canada First rally Toronto organizers planned for Sept. 13 collapsed under overwhelming counter-protests. By 1 p.m., about 100 anti-immigrant demonstrators found themselves surrounded by several thousand immigration supporters. Outnumbered at least ten to one, they quickly retreated down Bloor Street.

Counter-protester Catherine Crockett celebrated their exit. “I feel like we’ve achieved victory,” she said. Holding a sign reading “Christie Pits, Nazi free since 1933,” she recalled the park’s violent history of antisemitic riots. Toronto police confirmed six arrests during skirmishes but provided no further details.

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Organizers Defend Their Message

Canada First organizer Joe Anidjar claimed critics misunderstood the purpose of the rally. He said his group wanted to slow immigration, not end it. “This is about putting Canadians first,” he told reporters. However, many counter-protesters rejected his message. They chanted “Go home, Nazis!” as the group fled the park. Local officials also condemned the rally. Coun. Diane Saxe called it a “hate demonstration” designed to provoke division.

Canada First rally Toronto — Toronto police arrest 10 people at Christie Pits during duelling rallies

Divided Views on Immigration

Some Canada First attendees cited crime and employment concerns. Brampton resident Gage Tribble said rising immigration fuels crime, though research consistently disproves this claim. Canadian studies show immigrants commit fewer crimes than native-born citizens. U.S. data also shows immigrant communities often enhance public safety.

Others worried about jobs. A demonstrator named Lorrianne said newcomers threatened her grandchildren’s employment prospects. She also complained about local businesses being owned by immigrants.

Counter-Protesters Emphasize Canada’s Diversity

Toronto residents Devan Marr and Lisa Levesque said they joined the counter-protest to defend Canada’s immigrant heritage. “My friends, colleagues, and grandparents are immigrants,” Levesque said. “We should be proud of welcoming people, not promoting racist rhetoric.” Political experts noted Canada First’s use of the term “remigration.” Critics argue the word is synonymous with ethnic cleansing, showing the movement’s extremist roots.

Immigration Policy Shifts

Although demonstrators claimed Canada faces uncontrolled immigration, government policy now aims to reduce intake. After years of high arrivals, Ottawa has restricted international student numbers and tightened residency pathways. Statistics Canada estimates 2.3 million non-permanent residents will leave Canada by 2026. As Canada First protesters retreated, counter-protesters continued speeches, underscoring strong support for immigration.

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