Anti-carbon tax protesters gathered at the old Lloydminster Visitor Information Centre on Highway 16 on April 1 to join the nationwide protest against an ever-increasing carbon tax. Jeannette Benoit-Leipert Meridian Source
Honking horns and flags in the wind were heard and seen on April 1 as carbon tax protesters congregated at the Saskatchewan border on the east side of Lloydminster.
The message behind the protest is simple: axe the carbon tax.
“Drop the tax altogether. I don’t want the 23 per cent gone, I don’t want a pause. Across Canada, Canadians want the carbon tax gone altogether,” said protest organizer Miranda Courts, amidst honks of support near the old Lloydminster Visitor Information Centre.
“This is organic and it will grow as more people talk. The people that came here talked to their friends and family. It’ll only grow from here as we continue on in this protest,” said Courts.
Courts says they aren’t against environmentally-friendly programs or initiatives, but funds from taxpayers shouldn’t leave Canada.
“If you want to talk about money for initiatives to help the environment, I’m down for that … but as long as you’re sending one dollar out of this country, I’m not paying a carbon tax.”
She said it was exciting to see so many people come out to support the protest, but the thing that surprised her the most was the support of those passing by.
“The one convoy, the one slow-roll that they did out of here was incredible,” she said, adding many people passing through joined in on a whim.
“They wanted to be a part of it and a lot of them joined into it just put on their hazards and joined in and were honking away. That to me was great because they’re engaging.”
Courts wants people to know that they’re in it for the long haul. She says they, along with others across the country, won’t leave until the carbon tax is discontinued.
“I want people to know that we’re out here 24/7. We’re out here until the carbon tax is dropped. I want people to know that I know it’s an inconvenience for locals and it adds some extra time onto them, but in the end, if and when we succeed at this everybody benefits,” said Courts.
“Everybody gets a pay increase. Everybody’s going to have more money in their pockets.
“I’m not trying to be violent, not trying to be threatening. I just want to be able to afford my rent.”
Anyone can join the protest, and there is room for vehicles, tents, and campers. All they ask is that people register on arrival and abide by the code of conduct outlined at nationwideprotestagainstthecarbontax.ca.
They are accepting donations of food, water, fuel, and any other supplies that will help their cause.
Members of law enforcement have been cooperating with the group of protesters to ensure their safety and the safety of those passing through.
“The police cooperation has been good, which is great because nobody wants to be arrested, but I’m absolutely willing, and I’ve informed them of that.
“I’m not going anywhere, and I’m not backing down,” said Courts, adding the more people that come out the more voices will be heard.
“We’re always welcoming out here because this isn’t a black or white issue, a left or right issue … this is an everyone issue.
“This is affecting children up to seniors, and I’m tired of watching the despair, I’m tired of seeing it. We’re in this across Canada at all locations.”
