What to know
- Thousands gathered in Richmond Hill in solidarity with Iran’s uprising, joining a growing global movement calling for an end to the country’s Islamic regime.
- Demonstration comes amid ongoing protests in Iran marked by internet shutdowns, dozens of confirmed deaths, and mass detentions.
Thousands marched in solidarity with the uprising in Iran in Richmond Hill on Saturday. It’s part of a growing global movement calling for the end to the Islamic Republic’s regime along with its supreme leader, Ali Khamenei.
Iranian-Canadians and allies flooded Yonge Street Saturday afternoon carrying pre-Islamic Revolution Iranian flags of a lion and a sun, as they called for the return of Reza Pahlavi, the son of the country’s last Shah who was exiled in 1979.
Pahlavi is an active voice leading the cause from abroad, urging continued pride and courage from activists on the ground.
My compatriots,
— Reza Pahlavi (@PahlaviReza) January 11, 2026
By your widespread and courageous presence in the streets across Iran for the third consecutive night, you have severely weakened Khamenei’s repressive apparatus and his regime. Reliable reports have reached me indicating that the Islamic Republic is facing a… https://t.co/pJGMpsmBKU
Local political figures from the Greater Toronto Area also attended the march, including Steven Del Duca, the mayor of Vaughan, and Stephen Lecce, minister of energy and mines.
This afternoon, the Iranian Canadian Community came together in #RichmondHill and around the world to show their support for the brave people of Iran, as their fight for freedom and democracy continues.
— Michael Parsa (@MichaelParsa) January 10, 2026
This cowardly Regime has once again tried to silence the people of Iran for… pic.twitter.com/XBU3yoZzLM
Courage is what both defines and drives the Persian people today as they bring an end to the brutal illegitimate regime in Tehran.
— Stephen Lecce (@Sflecce) January 10, 2026
Proud to stand with leading voice @MichaelParsa and @laurasthornhill calling for a #FreeIran. pic.twitter.com/mItY0L2ex9
Proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with tens of thousands of patriotic Canadians right here in Richmond Hill South—united in solidarity with the brave people of Iran who continue to stand up to the regime in Iran and fight for a future of hope and freedom.
— Vincent Neil Ho (@vincentneilho) January 10, 2026
Today, the world… pic.twitter.com/0WoQCTKzcy
Similar protests were also held across the country throughout the week in cities like Montreal, Ottawa, Vancouver.Those who took part say the gatherings were some of the biggest protests they have seen.
This is the biggest protest I’ve ever seen in Toronto.
— Roya (@PeaceHappyJoy) January 11, 2026
FREE IRAN! ✊ https://t.co/9pspBC8tn4 pic.twitter.com/MjBOcl0Ufb
Amid nationwide internet shutdown, the protest in Iran – now into its third week – has resulted in dozens of confirmed fatalities, according to the Human Rights Activists News Agency, along with thousands of protestors detained by the state. The real death toll is feared to be much higher.
To date, International allies of the Iranian people have voiced support for the uprising, including the U.S., Canada, and Israel.
The reports of violence, arbitrary arrests, and intimidation tactics by the Iranian regime against its own people are profoundly concerning. Canada strongly condemns the killing of protesters, and urges Iran to allow for freedom of expression and peaceful assembly without fear of…
— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) January 10, 2026
