There were student groups, native groups, coalitions against war, coalitions against poverty, members of the Marxist-Leninist party and a group of architects alleging a 9-11 conspiracy.

About 200 people in total — all protesting Canada’s role in Afghanistan.

It began at Dalhousie University with about 40 students and a few grey heads sprinkled in. Organizers handed out signs reading Death 250 instead of Democracy 250.

They marched down University Avenue around 12:30 p.m. — past the hospital where surprised smokers took snapshots with cellphones.

The march stopped at Victoria Park, where a sound system was set up. More protesters came from across the city. Some wore bandanas over their faces while a pair of patrol cops kept a watchful eye. Organizers urged marchers to pick up extra signs.

Spoken-word artist El Jones said the march wasn’t about slamming Canadian soldiers. Her brother just got back from Afghanistan.

“I do support the troops. I support my brother coming home,” she said.

The group marched down Spring Garden Road and Barrington Street as tourists snapped pictures and traffic was pushed aside.

Another sound system waited in front of City Hall.

A speaker urged protesters to make noise and challenge the government, admitting he’d once taken over a gas station in Fredericton to make his point.

Protesters handed out pamphlets and buttons, each with their own take on the war.

Canada’s commitment to Afghanistan is set to expire in 2011.