Stephen Harper held his first event of the 2015 campaign in Montreal on Sunday, but not everyone who attended was there to support the Prime Minister.

In a speech Harper took on NDP leader Thomas Mulcair and Liberal leader Justin Trudeau, mocking statements the two had made on the budget and economic policies.

"Mulcair wants to raise taxes, but he was way off when asked what tax rates actually are. Now friends, that is about the best description of NDP economic policy I have ever heard," said Harper.

Harper also boasted about Canada's support for Israel under his administration, as well as his opposition to Russian aggression in Ukraine.

While conservative supporters were inside the Ben Weider Community Centre in the riding of Mount Royal, several dozen protesters gathered outside.

 

Many said Harper's economic record over the past decade was less than inspiring.

"I can make a list that goes on from here to tomorrow of everything that wrong with this government," said Sujata Dey.

"This is a complete change from a caring government to a fearful one."

One man managed to make it inside the building to protest Harper in person, while police said another man was arrested for uttering threats. 

While the riding has been Liberal since 1940 and is the former riding of Pierre Elliot Trudeau, the Conservatives feel they have a shot at winning it with candidate Robert Libman competing against Liberal Anthony Housefather.

The Conservative party has repeatedly tried to win the riding but has never come close to succeeding.

Their best showing was in 2011, when Liberal Irwin Cotler beat Conservative candidate Saulie Zajdel by 2,300 votes.

Zajdel has since pleaded guilty to breach of trust and corruption for rigging real estate deals while a Montreal city councillor.