Individuals dissatisfied with an increase in the federal carbon tax demonstrated in Vankleek Hill on Monday, April 1. A procession of tractors, trucks, and other vehicles followed High Street (Highway 34) through town displaying signs opposing the tax and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
The tax, which aims to discourage fossil fuel use as a means of reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) greenhouse gas emissions, was previously $65 per tonne. On April 1, it increased by 23 per cent to $85 per tonne.
In addition to the demonstration in Vankleek Hill, a smaller demonstration took place on Front Road at Tupper Street in Hawkesbury, along with similar demonstrations in towns and cities across Canada on April 1.
The premiers of eight provinces, representing Conservative, Liberal, and New Democratic Party governments, had been demanding the federal government suspend the carbon tax increase on April 1. Québec and British Columbia have alternative carbon pricing programs and are not subjected to the federal tax.
Photos: Louise Sproule
