'Tired of it': Demonstrations pop up across Sask. in response to carbon tax increase
Several protests were held near provincial border crossings in Saskatchewan – in response to the latest carbon tax increase.
Demonstrators blocked a single lane of the Yellowhead Highway near Lloydminster and shared their thoughts.
“It will affect my ability to drive anywhere,” one demonstrator explained. “I like to drive and I'm not going to live in a 15 minute city where I got to take a bus.”
“I can't afford gas when I turned 16. None of my friends are going to be able to drive,” a second demonstrator added.
“We want this noticed federally and that's why we've chosen to do this across Canada,” a third resident explained.
The price of gas at the pumps went up by 3.3 cents a litre Monday morning as Ottawa moved the price on pollution from $65 a tonne to $80.
Those who took part in a protest at Fleming, Sask. near the Manitoba border told CTV News they felt support from passing motorists.
“People were honking, all in good spirits,” Marc Ruddell explained. “It was very peaceful.”
A smaller demonstration also took place on Albert Street in Regina.
Protesters there said the carbon tax is a cost of living issue.
“Food, everything is gonna skyrocket. Nobody can afford much of anything anymore,” Leanne Philips told CTV News. “And if we don't do anything – what's going to happen?”
“[We’re] tired of being taxed to death,” Lorene Yuhasz explained. “Just because they call it a carbon tax doesn't change what it does, it just a tax. Tired of it.”
The premiers of seven provinces, including Saskatchewan, continue to call on the federal government to scrap the carbon tax.
“This is a harmful tax. It's an economically blunt instrument. It hasn't succeeded in in lowering emissions,” Minister of Justice Bronwyn Eyre told reporters Monday.
The Government of Canada has reiterated that most residents receive all the tax back through the carbon rebate.
Monday’s demonstrations suggest that not everyone is convinced.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
King Charles III focuses Christmas message on healthcare workers in year marked by royal illnesses
King Charles III used his annual Christmas message Wednesday to hail the selflessness of those who have cared for him and the Princess of Wales this year, after both were diagnosed with cancer.
Azerbaijani airliner crashes in Kazakhstan, killing 38 with 29 survivors, officials say
An Azerbaijani airliner with 67 people onboard crashed Wednesday near the Kazakhstani city of Aktau, killing 38 people and leaving 29 survivors, a Kazakh official said.
Second storm incoming for Christmas Day in southern B.C.
Environment Canada has issued a new series of weather warnings for British Columbia’s south coast Christmas morning.
What is Christmas like for Quebec health-care workers who stay on the job?
Most Quebecers get together with family and friends on Christmas Eve, but many professions require people to remain on the job at all times, including health-care workers.
Montreal man dead after boat explodes in Fort Lauderdale
A Montreal man is dead and several others are injured after a boat exploded in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Mother-daughter duo pursuing university dreams at the same time
For one University of Windsor student, what is typically a chance to gain independence from her parents has become a chance to spend more time with her biggest cheerleader — her mom.
Trial of man accused in Trump assassination attempt in Florida pushed back to September
A man accused of attempting to assassinate President-elect Donald Trump in South Florida won't be tried until September 2025, a federal judge ruled this week.
Pope urges 'all people of all nations' to silence arms and overcome divisions in Christmas address
Pope Francis in his traditional Christmas message on Wednesday urged 'all people of all nations' to find courage during this Holy Year 'to silence the sounds of arms and overcome divisions' plaguing the world, from the Middle East to Ukraine, Africa to Asia.
Read Trudeau's Christmas message
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued his Christmas message on Tuesday. Here is his message in full.