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.

Bernier 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.