(Toronto) Toronto police are investigating whether illegal actions led to the cancellation of a reception that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was scheduled to give to his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni.
Published at 3:20 p.m.
The event was scheduled to take place at the Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto, capping a busy day for the two leaders. The event had to be canceled after protesters chanted pro-Palestinian slogans and blocked the building's doors, preventing several guests from entering.
Mr. Trudeau's office confirmed that neither he nor Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni were able to enter the Art Gallery of Ontario. International Development Minister Ahmed Hussen was escorted by police to find a clear entrance.
A Toronto Police Service spokeswoman, Stephanie Sayer, said officers were in contact with the premier's protection team. Toronto police officers were ready to clear the way for Mr. Trudeau.
She added that Toronto police did not recommend canceling the reception. She said the decision was made by the Prime Minister's Office.
Ms. Sayer said about 400 protesters had gathered outside the museum. No one was injured and no arrests were made.
“We review the events of yesterday (Saturday) evening. And if it turns out that illegal acts were committed, charges could be filed later,” she said.
During the demonstration, demonstrators criticized the federal government for its positions on the war in the Gaza Strip. They chanted slogans such as “Trudeau, you are a liar” and nicknamed him “Genocide Justin.” They also insulted guests.
The museum's security service also prevented journalists from entering the building.
Liberal Eglinton-Lawrence MP Marco Mendicino called on police to enforce the law. He accused the demonstrators of being anti-Semitic.
“The place wasn’t safe. And that was her goal. They didn’t want their compatriots to feel safe,” he wrote on the social network X.
Deborah Lyons, Canada's special envoy for preserving the memory of the Holocaust and combating anti-Semitism, said on X that the cancellation of the reception ” [était] the direct result of submission to the irrational demands of a loud and uncontrollable cohort that drives his determination.”
with information from Alessia Passafiume in Toronto