Canada First marks 10th rally as counter-protest turnout dwindles in Toronto

Saturday, August 8, marked the 10th official Canada First rally, drawing supporters to Queen’s Park for speeches and a march through downtown Toronto.

Throughout the week leading up to the demonstration, posters advertising a counter-protest began appearing around the city. The image featured on the posters appeared to depict Canada First organizer Joe Anidjar with three arrows through his head, an interesting choice of imagery from those preparing to protest a rally they routinely characterize as hateful.

Posters for a counter-protest to the upcoming Canada First demonstration are popping up around Toronto…

How is this not a crime? pic.twitter.com/zPUI1sl40B

— Scarlett Grace (@ScarlettGrace92) August 6, 2026

Despite the promotion, the counter-protest appeared to draw only a couple dozen people at most, noticeably fewer than have confronted previous Canada First demonstrations.

In typical fashion, a counter-demonstrator to the Canada First rally had nothing to say in response to a question but:

“Free Palestine! Free Palestine! Racist!!” pic.twitter.com/R8EyeNGjZQ

— Scarlett Grace (@ScarlettGrace92) August 8, 2026

The group arrived at Queen’s Park carrying a large “Canada Last” banner, with many participants wearing N95-style masks and carrying signs accusing Canada First supporters of being Nazis. Keffiyehs were also prominent, while chants of “Free Palestine” were shrieked at rally-goers.

The majority of counter-demonstrators to the Canada First rally wore masks.
Identity protection or fear of Covid? pic.twitter.com/KVJy2HA92A

— Scarlett Grace (@ScarlettGrace92) August 8, 2026

Far-left counter-protesters demonstrating against the Canada First rally carried a banner reading, “Canada Last.” pic.twitter.com/PI4RFu8Wqx

— Scarlett Grace (@ScarlettGrace92) August 8, 2026

After several speeches, Canada First supporters set off on a lengthy march through downtown Toronto. The procession eventually stopped at Yonge-Dundas Square, where participants sang “O Canada” as counter-protesters waiting nearby shouted at them from behind a police line.

The Canada First rally stopped at Dundas Square to sing “O Canada” once more, as counter-demonstrators yelled from across the street while Toronto Police kept them at bay. pic.twitter.com/I1q2fFgk7q

— Scarlett Grace (@ScarlettGrace92) August 8, 2026

A pedestrian in downtown Toronto lost her temper as the Canada First rally marched past. pic.twitter.com/uMkRvGSobK

— Scarlett Grace (@ScarlettGrace92) August 8, 2026

Several counter-protesters then followed closely behind the march, continuing to shout accusations of Nazism and pro-Palestine slogans (the irony) as the group made its way back toward Queen’s Park.

Once there, the remaining Canada First supporters and far-left counter-demonstrators squared off in the summer heat, separated by Toronto police officers and a line of police bicycles. Both sides continued trading insults while officers kept the opposing groups apart.

“Do you know Islam? They rape children. They rape infants. That’s what you are standing for. Go get a job!”

An Iranian man at the Canada First rally confronted a pro-Palestine counter-demonstrator and told her what she was standing for. pic.twitter.com/zf9fQNiXkB

— Scarlett Grace (@ScarlettGrace92) August 8, 2026

For a movement whose rallies have repeatedly attracted organized opposition in Toronto, Canada First could arguably count its 10th demonstration as a success on numbers alone: this time, its supporters appeared to significantly outnumber those who showed up to oppose them.