A group of about 75 people from a coalition of peace organizations staged a sit-in at the gates of Lansdowne Park Wednesday to protest the opening of Canada's largest military and security trade show.

The protesters say they held the sit-in to make a point that Canada should get out of the arms trade. They plan to hold a peaceful demonstration outside the gates of Lansdowne Park each day of the event.

The annual military trade show got underway Wednesday and is expected to attract between 8,000 and 10,000 people who want to look at the latest in hi-tech gear.

The show brings out small Canadian firms and giant military suppliers who have developed everything from bomb suits to communications equipment.

The show is an opportunity for small firms, huge American companies and other foreign contactors to talk directly to military and security people about the latest developments in the industry.

In Ottawa alone, the industry employs about 10,000 people and has sales of $1 billion.

The show, which is not open to the public, will last two days.

With files from CTV Ottawa's Paul Brent