Horns honked along the Trans-Canada Highway west of Calgary on Monday as a demonstration against the increase in the federal carbon price caused traffic to slow down significantly.
A large group of demonstrators, with many waving Canadian and Alberta flags and holding signs that read “remove the tax,” obstructed the main highway and reduced it to a single lane. RCMP officers were present to oversee the event.
“I’m here because our country is deteriorating and our government has been leading us into ruin, and it just needs to come to an end,” stated military veteran Gary Lambert of Innisfail as he positioned himself on the side of the highway.
“It’s not just about getting rid of the tax. It’s about the liberties. It’s about our right to speak freely.”
The gathering, orchestrated by a group called Nationwide Protest Against Carbon Tax, was one of around 15 that occurred throughout the country, including on Parliament Hill.
Demonstrations also took place at various provincial borders. Participants momentarily impeded sections of the Trans-Canada Highway connecting Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, Manitoba and Saskatchewan, and Saskatchewan and Alberta.
The federal consumer carbon price increment of $15 per tonne set out by Ottawa went into effect on Monday. This translates to a 3.3-cent increase per liter of gasoline.
Several provinces have urged the federal government to cancel the hike due to the affordability crisis. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has mentioned that the increase also leads to larger quarterly rebate payments.
Alberta encountered another increase on Monday as the provincial government fully reinstated its fuel tax, resulting in a four-cent increase per liter. The 13-cent-per-liter tax had been suspended for the entirety of 2023 and partially reinstated in January 2024.
Lambert expressed his dismay regarding both federal and provincial tax hikes.
“People need to realize it’s not just one tax,” he remarked.
Allan Hunter of Airdrie also expressed concern about the dual impact.
“The increase in Alberta's gas tax is somewhat contradictory coming from the (United Conservative Party government), but the carbon tax is not just about the carbon that goes into your tank,” Hunter stated.
“Everything you buy, all these trucks that pass by, every car that goes by, everything we consume in this country is becoming more expensive today.
“Thanks Justin, you just made things even less affordable for Canadians.”
Lynne Hoff arrived at the demonstration with her truck towing a manure spreader. A person wearing a Trudeau mask stood in the back.
“It’s the Liberal Manure Spreader,” said Hoff, adding that the participants at the demonstration want to convey a message.
“I believe that this will only escalate. This is just the start.”
