Inflation In Canada Has Resulted In Dozens Of People Dressing Up As Robin Hood, Robbing Supermarkets And Giving The Goods To The Poor

A bizarre display of performative activism unfolded in Montreal this week after a group of roughly 60 people dressed as Robin Hood stormed multiple Rachelle Béry grocery stores and made off with food they later distributed through community fridges.

The group, calling itself “Robins des Ruelles,” framed the supermarket raids as a political protest against rising food prices. In posts shared online, the activists openly described the thefts as an act of resistance, arguing that inflation has made groceries unaffordable for many Canadians.

Canada’s inflation rate has climbed sharply over the past year, more than doubling at one point and squeezing household budgets nationwide. But critics say the group’s tactics amount to little more than theft dressed up in costumes and slogans.

This is not the first time Robins des Ruelles has pulled a stunt like this. The group has previously staged similar operations while dressed as Santa Claus and elves, targeting stores during the holiday season under the guise of helping those in need.

While supporters praise the actions as mutual aid and civil disobedience, others argue the raids punish businesses and workers who have little control over global inflation, while offering a feel good narrative for activists eager for viral attention.

Local authorities have not yet announced whether charges will be filed. As inflation continues to dominate political debate in Canada, the spectacle raises a larger question: where does protest end and outright criminality begin?