Toronto police are warning that “violence, threats, property damage or other criminal activity” will not be tolerated ahead of planned demonstrations in the downtown core that will coincide with a gathering of hundreds of investors. Executives and global asset managers from around the world are in Toronto today for an investment summit being hosted by Prime Minister Mark Carney. The event formally kicks off Monday evening with a dinner at the Art Gallery Ontario that is closed to the public. On Tuesday, investors will meet with Carney and other officials at the Four Seasons Hotel in Yorkville as the summit continues. In a statement issued on Monday morning, Toronto police said that they are aware of planned demonstrations downtown today and will have a presence “to ensure public safety.” “We are reminding those planning to participate that the right to protest does not extend to violence, threats, property damage or other criminal activity,” the statement notes. “Anyone who uses a demonstration as an opportunity to commit criminal offences should expect police action, including arrest where grounds exist.” Several demonstrators held a press conference at Nathan Phillips Square on Monday morning where they detailed their plans for the event. Activist Rachel Small told reporters that she anticipated that thousands of people would gather at Nathan Phillips Square starting at 6 p.m. She suggested that the demonstrators would then march to the planned event at the Art Gallery of Ontario. The Canadian Press has previously reported that some demonstrators intend to engage in “direct intervention” with attendees of the summit.
