On Friday, Ontario Premier Doug Ford shared a video on social media, announcing that he had directed the attorney general to request a court order to stop the demonstration. THE CANADIAN PRESS
A lawyer representing the organizers of an Al-Quds Day rally in Toronto confirmed that the event will take place as scheduled on Saturday. This comes despite an announcement from Ontario Premier Doug Ford that his government is seeking a court order to stop the demonstration.
In an email sent late Friday afternoon, lawyer Stephen Ellis stated that the organizers had not received any official notice of a motion for an injunction. Furthermore, court staff who handle urgent civil motions confirmed they had not received any such request.
Premier Ford's Opposition to the Rally
The controversy began when Premier Ford posted a video on social media in the afternoon, declaring that he had instructed the attorney-general to pursue an injunction against the rally. Ford condemned the event as “hateful” and described it as a “breeding ground for hate and antisemitism.” He linked his concerns to recent incidents, including shootings at synagogues and the U.S. consulate, and an attack on a Michigan synagogue. Ford expressed his alarm, stating that the Canada he knows is “slipping away.”
The Al-Quds Day rally, which is set to take place outside the U.S. consulate, has been promoted by Toronto organizers as a show of support for Palestine. Social media posts about the event also highlight calls for “no war in Iran and Lebanon.”
Civil Liberties Groups Criticize Ford's Call for an Injunction
Ford's announcement quickly attracted criticism from civil liberties groups and human rights advocates. These groups argued that seeking an injunction before the rally even took place threatens basic rights like freedom of expression and the right to peaceful assembly—both of which are protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Anaïs Bussières McNicoll, director of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association’s (CCLA) fundamental freedoms program, said in a statement that the premier did not need an injunction to enforce existing laws. McNicoll emphasized that police already have the authority to respond to credible threats and unlawful actions. However, she called the request for an injunction a dangerous step, saying it was an attack on freedoms that are fundamental to Canadian democracy.
The group Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East also expressed concern, calling the push for the injunction a “troubling effort” to suppress political demonstrations. Vice president Michael Bueckert stated that the government’s move could create a dangerous precedent, where political messages are blocked when they are seen as inconvenient.
Support for Ford's Actions
Not everyone opposed the premier's actions. Michelle Stock, Ontario vice president of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, praised Ford’s decision to seek the court order, saying it reflected the seriousness of the situation. Stock acknowledged the heightened risks facing Jewish communities and expressed support for the government’s decision to protect public safety.
Police Readiness for the Rally
Toronto police have announced they will increase their presence around the Al-Quds Day rally. The rally, scheduled for Saturday afternoon, will be held outside the U.S. consulate, a location that has raised concerns due to the recent violence in the city. There have been shootings at three synagogues and the U.S. consulate in the past two weeks, raising fears of further unrest.
Emergency management officials, including Superintendent Craig Young, confirmed that the police will closely monitor the event and deploy resources as necessary. Authorities are particularly concerned about potential clashes between opposing groups, and they plan to take action if needed.
