CANADA FIRST ORGANIZER JOE ANIDJAR
CANADA FIRST ORGANIZER JOE ANIDJAR SAYS AUGUST 8 RALLY AIMS TO SPARK OPEN DEBATE ON IMMIGRATION
Exclusive Interview | The Alex Glikman Show
As Canada continues to grapple with rising housing costs, affordability concerns, and an increasingly polarized debate over immigration, the Canada First movement is preparing to hold a public rally at Queen’s Park in Toronto on August 8.
Ahead of the demonstration, The Alex Glikman Show conducted an exclusive interview with Canada First organizer Joe Anidjar to better understand the purpose of the rally, the criticism surrounding the movement, and the message organizers hope Canadians will take away from the event.
When asked what he hopes to accomplish through the August 8 gathering, Anidjar said the objective goes beyond bringing supporters together. According to him, the rally is intended to encourage Canadians to openly discuss issues they may feel uncomfortable raising in today’s political climate.
“The goal of the August 8 rally is to make Canadians feel comfortable speaking openly about issues like mass immigration and the direction of our country,” Anidjar said. “We hope to change political opinions by highlighting what we believe have been the impacts of current immigration levels and other Liberal government policies on housing, affordability, and the quality of life for Canadians.”
Immigration has become one of the defining political issues in Canada in recent years. Supporters of current and expanded immigration levels argue that immigration is essential to addressing labour shortages, supporting economic growth, and responding to Canada’s aging population. Critics, meanwhile, argue that rapid population growth has increased pressure on housing, healthcare, infrastructure, and the overall cost of living. The issue continues to generate strong opinions across the political spectrum.
Given the controversy surrounding the movement, The Alex Glikman Show also asked Anidjar how he responds to criticism and negative reactions directed toward both himself and Canada First.
“Hate doesn’t bother me,” he said. “When you take a stand on issues people care about, criticism comes with the territory. I don’t let it distract me. If anything, it motivates me to keep going.”
Anidjar added that he believes disagreement should never prevent Canadians from engaging in respectful dialogue.
“I would encourage anyone who disagrees with us to listen to what we’re actually saying rather than relying on assumptions or labels,” he said. “We may not agree on every issue, but Canadians should be able to have respectful conversations without intimidation or censorship.”
The upcoming demonstration is expected to draw supporters of the Canada First movement, as well as counter-demonstrators with opposing views. Toronto Police have routinely maintained a presence at large public demonstrations to help ensure public safety and facilitate lawful, peaceful assembly.
The Canada First rally is scheduled to take place at Queen’s Park in Toronto on August 8. Organizers say the event will focus on immigration, affordability, and broader concerns about the direction of the country, while critics are expected to voice opposing perspectives.