Banging drums and waving signs, the crowd chanted outside the Royal York Hotel where Citizenship and Immigration Minister Jason Kenney was receiving an honorary degree from Israel's University of Haifa, the Canadian Press reported.
Organizers said the late Sunday rally, which began with a march through downtown Toronto, was to protest against what they call Ottawa's "racist" immigration policies.
Demonstrators could be heard chanting "Shame on Kenney!" and "No one illegal" at people going to the black-tie dinner held to honor the minister.
A large police and security presence was also at the event.
The university's website said Kenney is being given the philosophy degree for his "steadfast position" in solidarity with Israel.
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Protesters took over an intersection in downtown Toronto to decry the Harper government's immigration policies.
News ID 183271
