Hecklers disrupt minister's speech on Afghanistan
Last Updated: Thursday, September 20, 2007 | 12:28 AM ET
CBC News
Related
Video
- James Cudmore reports for CBC-TV (Runs: 1:58)
- Play: QuickTime »
- Play: Real Media »
Two protesters were arrested and others detained after they heckled Canada's newly minted foreign affairs minister during his inaugural speech on the country's role in Afghanistan.
Rising in intervals, protesters drowned out Maxime Bernier's speech by shouting out their opposition to Canada's mission.
The heckler was pinned by four security guards before he was arrested.
(CBC)
"Shame on all of you. You're sitting here in luxury while people are being killed," yelled one protester. Another shouted: "People of my skin colour are being killed because of your racist policies."
At least seven protesters interrupted the speech, only to be led out of the Montreal building. One screaming man was tackled by police officers as he tried to approach Bernier's table.
The minister still managed to complete his speech.
"We are there at the invitation of a democratically elected Afghanistan government," Bernier said.
He appealed to Quebecers for their support of the mission, saying the Valcartier-based Van Doos, or Royal 22nd Regiment, are doing good work but need time to complete their job.
BernierĀ also said it was time for the country to engage in a new debate about what Canada's future role should be in Afghanistan in the months and years that follow.
The current mission is set to expire in 2009.
Share Tools
Top News Headlines
- HMCS Corner Brook collision damage extensive
- The damage done to HMCS Corner Brook when it hit the ocean floor off B.C.'s coast last summer was more extensive than first reported, CBC News has learned by obtaining exclusive pictures of the submarine. more »
- Mandatory gun sentence struck down by Ontario judge
- An Ontario Superior Court judge has struck down a mandatory minimum sentence for a first offence of possessing a loaded firearm. more »
- O Canada! 12 Flag Day stories of patriotism
- Ahead of tomorrow's Flag Day celebrations, our readers shared some of their proudest Canadian moments. Here are some of the best. more »
- UN raises fears of civil war in Syria
- Syrian government forces renewed their assault on the rebellious city of Homs on Tuesday, activists said, as the UN human rights chief raised fears of civil war. more »
Latest Canada News Headlines
- HMCS Corner Brook collision damage extensive
- The damage done to HMCS Corner Brook when it hit the ocean floor off B.C.'s coast last summer was more extensive than first reported, CBC News has learned by obtaining exclusive pictures of the submarine. more »
- O Canada! 12 Flag Day stories of patriotism
- Ahead of tomorrow's Flag Day celebrations, our readers shared some of their proudest Canadian moments. Here are some of the best. more »
- B.C. drops plan to televise Vancouver riot trials
- The B.C. government is dropping its attempts to have trials in connection to the 2011 Vancouver riot televised, the provincial attorney general says. more »
- Valentine's Day: By the numbers
- For some, it may be a day for romance. But for many retailers, February 14 means big business. Here's a look at some numbers behind Cupid's day. more »
On Tonight's National
Top stories
Shafia Jury Deliberations
- Dan Halton
- The jury in the Shafia murder trial begun deliberations today. Mohammad Shafia, his wife and his son are accused of killing four of their family members. They are charged with four counts of first-degree murder and have all pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Watch the Best of the Show
- Get Connected
- Syria cracks down on protesters, one day before an Arab League delegation arrives.
Stay Connected
- Carolyn Dunn
- An English soccer captain is facing racial abuse charges after an on-field exchange with another player.
The Current
- Panda Diplomacy Feb. 13, 2012 1:59 PM Zoos in Canada are getting ready to welcome two giant pandas despite concerns about whether this will actually generate revenue and awareness about conservation.
- HMCS Corner Brook collision damage extensive
- Whitney Houston's body now at N.J. funeral home
- Online surveillance critics siding with child porn: Toews
- Stanley Cup rioter seen in brick attack on cop
- Mandatory gun sentence struck down by Ontario judge
- Whitney Houston estate value set to soar
- Whitney Houston's body headed home to New Jersey
- Man pleads guilty to murder of stepdaughter, 17
- HIV-positive B.C. man jailed for assault, child porn
The heckler was pinned by four security guards before he was arrested. 
