Hundreds of protesters rallied in Downtown Montreal on Saturday in a demonstration against war with Iran.

"My father was in World War I, believe it or not, and we don't want to see it again, because wars escalate very quickly."

A few dozen protesters held a rally in the park across from the Westin where the 10th annual Halifax International Security Forum is being held.

Spray-painted profanity and antiwar messages were reportedly sprayed on the monument, hours before ceremonies were set to begin around the city at 11 a.m.