Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s recent proroguing of Parliament is disrespectful to the people of Canada and an affront to democracy, participants in a weekend rally said Sunday.

“They see it as disrespecting the will of the people,” organizer Anita Strong said of the enthusiastic turnout Saturday.

Between 70 and 80 people attended the rally, which began at the Smorgasbord Deli on Seventh Avenue and continued to MP Cathy McLeod’s office at 10th Avenue and Battle Street.

People carried signs marking Harper as wanted for crimes against democracy. The group chanted “MPs back to work” and “No prorogation, democracy now” as they walked.

Strong said a number of people spoke at the demonstration, which was one of many held across the country. Many believe Harper suspended Parliament to distract Canadians from issues like the torture of Afghan detainees.

One of the speakers was activist Peter Kerek, who takes issue with how Harper suspended Parliament. He said the prime minister should have allowed MPs to vote on prorogation instead of going straight to Gov-Gen. Michaelle Jean.

“The proroguing is taking place outside of what we would normally consider valid, democratic processes requiring the majority of MPs to approve it,” he said. “That’s usurping the authority that is normally invested in our elected officials.”

MPs were supposed to return to work Jan. 25 after a holiday break, but Harper said he delayed the resumption of Parliament to focus on strategies for Canada's economy.

Kerek doesn’t buy that. He said a government shouldn’t prorogue Parliament to get its economic plan in order.

Strong said Harper has suspended Parliament twice now to his political gain and believes people have had enough.

“He thinks he can brush all (the issues) aside, start over and forget about that,” she said.

The countrywide demonstrations followed a protest that began online earlier this month. More than 200,000 people have joined the Facebook site against Harper's decision to suspend Parliament.