People support the Freedom Convoy leaving Toronto to Ottawa in 2022. File Photo
End the carbon tax now.
That’s the battle cry of Lloydminster’s Miranda Courts, who heads up a local Nationwide Protest Against the Carbon Tax, with another federal carbon tax hike of 23 per cent set for April 1.
Courts estimates up to 2,000 supporters could join the Lloydminster rally starting at 8 a.m. on Monday.
The plan is to slow the right lanes in both directions on Hwy. 16 near the old Alberta Tourism stop on April 1 to send the message to Ottawa, voters can’t afford the tax.
“It’s a huge hit. This is the over-taxation of Canadians. This stand is, enough is enough, we’re not going to take it anymore,” said Courts, who notes there will be an alternate detour on 40 Ave. to the Upgrader road during the local protest.
The tax increase will add about 3 cents per litre to the cost of gasoline in addition to a 4 cents a litre increase at the pumps in Alberta as the province ends its fuel subsidy of 13 cents the same day.
Courts says the protests will be happening at provincial borders right across Canada and other locations with affordability the unifying issue.
“Amidst the ever-tightening financial constraints, many Canadians are finding it increasingly difficult to afford basic necessities. It’s imperative now, more than ever, that we unite and voice our concerns,” said a Facebook statement by the national organizers.
The group’s website notes the impact of the carbon tax on various economic sectors with higher costs affecting all cycles of business and competitiveness.
Courts says if local motorists want to roll down their windows and engage with the rally they will be glad to do that.
“If people want information, we will absolutely have the information,” she said.
“It’s a gathering and makes a stand to be heard. As you know, when you make things uncomfortable in this country, you tend to be heard a little bit more.”
Courts and her husband have been leading protests for 10 years, including the local Freedom Convoy and the Million March for Children in the Border City.
She says the carbon tax protests resonate with many Canadians like herself who find it hard to make ends meet.
“I don’t know anybody who would have an issue and that doesn’t want the carbon tax gone,” said Courts.
“I have one son at home and my husband works full time and makes a pretty decent wage but it’s still coming down to heat or eat.”
Courts says the protests will be going on until the carbon tax is dropped.
“It’s 24/7 until the carbon tax is dropped,” she said.
“The communities and the people of Canada come together when it’s things like this quickly.”
