Toronto's police chief has defended his force's actions in the face of provincial pressure to crack down on hateful anti-Israel protests, arguing officers are working within the limits of existing laws and need stronger legal tools from the government.
Province Demands Action, Police Point to Legal Limits
The response from the Toronto Police Service (TPS) comes after Ontario Solicitor General Michael Kerzner sent a letter on December 30, 2025 to Police Chief Myron Demkiw and Police Services Board Chair Shelley Carroll. Kerzner demanded an end to the perceived police inaction that allows protesters to "run roughshod" on the city.
In his letter, Kerzner cited specific incidents, including mob intimidation at the Eaton Centre and ongoing marches through residential neighbourhoods near Bathurst and Sheppard. He warned that the lack of visible consequences "substantially undermines public confidence in the rule of law."
TPS spokesperson Stephanie Sayer countered that frontline officers are making difficult decisions based on evidence and legal thresholds. "We continue to advocate with provincial and federal governments for legislative reforms to ensure officers have the tools they need to do their jobs," Sayer stated in a response to the Toronto Sun.
Nearly 500 Arrests Made, But Charges Often Reduced
According to TPS data, since the October 7, 2023 terror attacks, police have made nearly 500 arrests and laid more than 1,000 criminal charges in connection with over 800 demonstrations. The service has tripled the size of its Hate Crime Unit to meet the demand.
However, a key point of contention is the judicial outcome of these charges. Sayer emphasized the need for strong prosecutorial support from the province, stating, "We continue to call on the province to provide strong prosecutorial support to ensure charges laid by our officers are tested in court." This follows numerous instances where charges against anti-Israel activists have been significantly reduced or dropped entirely in court.
Protests have frequently targeted Jewish-owned businesses, synagogues, community centres, and schools. Masked groups have also led intimidation marches through Toronto's Jewish neighbourhoods and attempted to disrupt New Year's Eve celebrations.
Community and Political Leaders Call for Concrete Steps
York Centre MP Roman Baber, who recently wrote to Chief Demkiw and Mayor Olivia Chow claiming Toronto is no longer safe for Jews, called Kerzner's letter "overdue, but a welcome demand." He specifically highlighted the weekly protests in a predominantly Jewish area as actively threatening the peace.
B'nai Brith Canada's Richard Robertson expressed frustration with the pace of action. "Words are not enough anymore," he told the Sun. "It's been nearly two years of rising levels of hate... and yet we haven't seen a response that has been sufficient." He called for an end to finger-pointing and for stakeholders to facilitate real change.
The debate underscores the complex challenge of policing demonstrations while upholding Charter rights, with Toronto Police positioning themselves as enforcers hamstrung by legislative gaps, while the province and community leaders demand more visible and effective enforcement of existing laws to protect public safety and restore confidence.
