toronto protest vaccine

Anti-vaccine passport mobs now targeting Toronto malls

A demonstration inside an Oshawa Tim Hortons this week appears to have just been an appetizer for a wave of sit-in protests opposing Ontario's new vaccine passport legislation. Now, Toronto malls are in protesters' crosshairs.

The arrest of People's Party of Canada candidate Darryl Mackie, who entered the Tim Hortons and refused to present his vaccination certification per the new rules, seems to have triggered a wave of copycat demonstrations.

Mackie likening himself to civil rights icon Rosa Parks has drawn a mix of ridicule and disgust, though his divisive words have resonated with some. In response, similar sit-ins have been planned by the anti-vax and anti-passport fringe in Whitby and Schomberg, and Toronto is now getting a taste of the madness.

There is allegedly a video — its origins unverified — showing a mob of unmasked patrons congregating in the food court of CF Toronto Eaton Centre.

When confronted by police, the group reportedly presented a printed package of laws they believed gave them the right to demonstrate on private property.

It's being reported that no arrests were made, giving the group organizing the protest a sense of victory and incentivizing more sit-ins.

Screenshots of an event invite, calling for groups of unmasked patrons to mob food courts of Toronto malls, have also been circulating, calling for "pass-less dining at your local food court" at any "public" mall food court on Friday at 3 p.m.

The invite includes phrases like "just say no to vaccine passports" and that "the government wants a two-tier society" before once again likening the vaccine passport legislation to segregation.

Specific malls are also being targeted, with an invite directing protesters to Scarborough Town Centre.

In an interesting coincidence, some of these same Toronto malls have just been announced as the sites of mass vaccination clinics this weekend, the city revealing their new #ShopAndVax program this morning.

Five Toronto malls will host mobile clinics, including the CF Toronto Eaton Centre, where a protest just occurred.

Lead photo by

A Great Capture


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in Eat & Drink

5 new taco restaurants in Toronto you need to try at least once

Outdoor farmers' markets in Toronto open for the summer next month

Restaurant from Michelin-awarded chef has a new home in Toronto

Beerfest and rodeo coming to Toronto with square dancing and mechanical bull

5 Turkish cafes and bakeries in Toronto you need to try at least once

Huge Asian street food festival happening in Toronto this summer

Ajax sports bar opening first Toronto location

Almost 100k Canadians now support launching an investigation into Loblaws