Anti-Immigration Rally In Toronto Drowned Out By Massive Counter-Protest

Toronto’s Christie Pits Park became the focal point of a tense standoff on September 13, 2025, as a planned anti-immigration rally was vastly overshadowed by a sprawling counter-protest. The “Canada First Patriot Rally,” organized by the far-right group Canada First, had aimed to voice opposition to the nation’s immigration policies. However, the event quickly became a symbol of resistance against hate and a celebration of inclusivity.

The Canada First rally, scheduled to run from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., was promoted as a response to what organizers described as “untenable immigration” policies. Group leaders, including Travis Patron and Joe Anidjar, argued that high immigration levels were straining Canadian resources. Supporters, carrying Canadian flags and chanting slogans, were significantly outnumbered from the start.

Meanwhile, a coalition of pro-immigration activists, labour unions, and community organizations had assembled a far larger crowd. The “No to Hate, Yes to Immigrants!” counter-protest drew over 1,000 participants, featuring family-friendly activities, live music, and speeches. Signs reading “Immigrants Welcome” and “Hate Has No Home Here” dotted the landscape, emphasizing themes of solidarity and inclusion.

The counter-protest also drew inspiration from the park’s history. Christie Pits Park was the site of a notorious 1933 riot where Nazi sympathizers clashed with Jewish residents. Organizers explicitly referenced this dark chapter, declaring, “There is no space for hate at Christie Pits Park.”

From the outset, the counter-protesters outnumbered the Canada First supporters by a ratio of at least 5-to-1, with some estimates suggesting as much as 10-to-1. As the far-right group attempted to gather, they were surrounded by chants of “No Nazis, no KKK, no fascist USA!” The situation rapidly escalated, with police making at least six arrests for “criminal behaviour” and reporting no major injuries.

By mid-afternoon, police escorted the outnumbered Canada First attendees out of the park. A viral video captured the scene, showing about 50 supporters being led away under heavy police presence as counter-protesters cheered and filmed. Organizers later remained in the park, transforming the site into a spontaneous celebration of community power. “We have the power,” one organizer declared, pledging continued mobilization against far-right efforts.

The event unfolded amid rising anti-immigrant sentiment in Canada, fueled by economic pressures and housing shortages. Yet, the country continues to grapple with its multicultural identity. The confrontation at Christie Pits Park highlighted sharp divisions in the national debate over immigration, leaving the park calm by day’s end but the underlying tensions unresolved.

Organizers Reflect on Confrontation Amid Rising Tensions

Following the chaotic scenes at Christie Pits Park, organizers from both sides offered starkly different reflections on the day’s events. Joe Anidjar, one of the key organizers of the Canada First rally, expressed frustration over the overwhelming opposition his group faced. Anidjar described the experience as being “encircled and assaulted,” questioning whether holding the rally was “worth the trouble.” Despite the setbacks, he remained resolute in his group’s cause, framing their opposition to current immigration policies as a necessary stand against what they perceive as unsustainable mass immigration.

In contrast, the counter-protesters celebrated their victory as a testament to the power of community and solidarity. Long after the Canada First group had been escorted out of the park, hundreds of counter-protesters remained, turning the site into an impromptu celebration. Organizers emphasized the importance of continued mobilization against far-right movements, with one leader declaring, “We have the power,” to a cheering crowd. This sentiment resonated deeply among attendees, many of whom viewed the day as a decisive rejection of hate and intolerance.

The events at Christie Pits Park also highlighted the broader tensions surrounding immigration in Canada. While the country has long prided itself on its multicultural identity, economic pressures and housing shortages have fueled growing anti-immigrant sentiment in recent years. This backdrop of division was evident in the stark contrast between the two groups, with one advocating for stricter immigration controls and the other championing inclusivity and diversity.

As the day drew to a close, Christie Pits Park returned to a state of calm, but the underlying tensions in the national debate over immigration remained unresolved. The confrontation served as a stark reminder of the deep divisions within Canadian society, even as the counter-protesters’ overwhelming numbers and resolve offered a powerful rebuke to far-right ideologies. The legacy of the 1933 riot at Christie Pits Park, where Jewish residents clashed with Nazi sympathizers, loomed large over the proceedings, underscoring the enduring struggle against hate and the importance of safeguarding inclusive values.