Eight people were arrested and 29 charges were laid following clashes between an anti-immigration rally and a counter-protest near Nathan Phillips Square on Saturday afternoon, Toronto police said.
Police reported that around 2 p.m., large groups gathered in the Queen Street West and Bay Street area for a demonstration and a counter-protest. The rally, organized by a group calling itself Canada First, called for an end to what it described as “mass immigration.”
Investigators said disturbances broke out around the demonstration, with participants allegedly assaulting other demonstrators as well as three police officers.
Initial police information released Saturday stated that 11 people had been arrested. However, a news release issued Sunday clarified that nine arrests were made in total, and that one individual was released unconditionally without charges. It was not specified whether those arrested were participants in the rally or the counter-protest.
Of the eight individuals who were charged, six are Toronto residents. The remaining two are from Milton, Ont., and Ottawa.
Mahnoor Mohyuddin and Jennifer Vong were each charged with throwing an explosive with intent to cause bodily harm, carrying a concealed weapon, and assaulting a peace officer with a weapon.
The Toronto Police Association (TPA), which represents civilian and uniform police members, condemned the incident in a statement posted to social media on Sunday.
“The behaviour of some participants was completely unacceptable and disgusting,” the TPA said, alleging that officers had eggs, used toilet paper, and plastic bags containing what appeared to be urine thrown at them.
Police said no serious injuries were reported as a result of the incident.
The counter-protest was organized by the Toronto & York Region Labour Council, the Urban Alliance on Race Relations, Toronto East Anti-Hate Mobilization (TEAM), and several Toronto city councillors.
In a news release issued Friday, the Toronto & York Region Labour Council said that “hate-filled rhetoric has led to a dramatic rise in anti-immigrant, racist attacks, including violent assaults across the GTA.”
“Labour and civil society organizations have a proud history and tradition of challenging racism and bigotry and standing against attempts to scapegoat vulnerable communities,” the organization added.
A previous Canada First rally was held at Christie Pits Park in September 2025, where thousands of counter-protesters reportedly outnumbered rally participants. Nine arrests were made during that event.