Protestors defy provincial stay-at-home order in Toronto, arrest made

“We don’t want to issue tickets. We want to educate,” one officer said in response to protestors saying the police were reluctant to issue fines because they didn’t want to face them in court.

“I can’t stay at home on a beautiful day like this!” one protestor said after receiving a warning.

Police warned the crowd to disperse several times before one protestor was arrested for violating the provincial order, as well as failing to identify himself.

The protestors then embarked on their weekly march through the streets of downtown, renamed the “Essential Exercise March” in reference to exercise being deemed essential under the current lockdown rules.

When asked why other protest groups have been allowed to hold their events one police officer at the scene said, "It's because we are under a stay-at-home order. It's very strict. Other protest groups would be treated the same way."

The march wrapped up at Trinity Bellwoods Park.