'Axe the Tax': Protesters gather in Barrie after carbon tax increase
In response to the recent carbon tax increase, over 40 protesters gathered on the Harvie Road overpass in Barrie on Monday afternoon to voice their opinions.
"We are trying to bring awareness to people, make sure they understand that this is not suitable," said Pat North, one of the demonstrators. "This isn't our Canada anymore."
Other individuals have expressed their concerns about the continual cost of living.
"People are losing their homes. People can't afford to buy food for their children and their families," said Bunny Murphy, another protestor. "With the carbon tax, that's only going to take more money from us."
The impact of the carbon tax increase was felt at gas stations across the region. Prices ranged from around $1.59 to $1.67 per litre for regular gas and nearly $2 per litre for premium fuel.
"It's affecting what we do with our family," said Bill Pugh, a Barrie resident stopping for gas at the Innisfil ONRoute. "Don't like it. Don't like it at all."
On the other hand, Margaret Prophet from the Simcoe County Greenbelt Coalition referenced an open letter signed by over 300 Canadian economists.
It states that Canada's Greenhouse Gas emissions have fallen by almost eight per cent since 2019 and that carbon pricing has caused less than one-twentieth of Canada's inflation in the past two years.
- Download the CTV News app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates sent to your email inbox
"Theres a perception that things are more expensive and that absolutely is true," said Prophet. "But we need to put it on the places that are the cause of corporations increasing their prices increasing their profit margins, versus something that's one-twentieth of the cause."
Prophet is worried that climate change may cause more natural disasters or lead to the unavailability of certain foods, which could further increase the cost of living.
But for now, drivers cannot help but feel just as concerned that gas is one of many living expenses that keep getting more costly.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING 122 active wildfires burning across Canada, 32 considered 'out of control'
The 2024 wildfire season has begun, and it's shaping up to follow last year's unprecedented destruction in kind, with thousands of square kilometres already consumed.
B.C. parents sentenced to 15 years for death of 6-year-old boy
A British Columbia Supreme Court judge has sentenced the mother and stepfather of a six-year-old boy who died from blunt-force trauma in 2018 to 15 years in prison.
Veteran TSN sportscaster Darren Dutchyshen has died
Veteran TSN broadcaster Darren 'Dutch' Dutchyshen, one of Canada’s best-known sports journalists, has died. He was 57. His family says 'he passed as he was surrounded by his closest loved ones.'
Miller scores late as Canucks grind out 3-2 win over Oilers in Game 5
J.T. Miller scored in the final minute of the game and the Vancouver Canucks came back for a 3-2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 5 of their second-round playoff series Thursday.
Think twice before sharing 'heartbreaking' social media posts, RCMP warn
Mounties in B.C. are urging people to think twice before sharing "heartbreaking posts" on social media.
Police issue Canada-wide warrant for Regina homicide suspect
Police have issued a Canada-wide warrant for a man wanted in a homicide which occurred in Regina on May 12.
Trudeau calls New Brunswick's Conservative government a 'disgrace' on women's rights
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau assailed New Brunswick's premier and other conservative leaders on Thursday, calling out the provincial government's position on abortion, LGBTQ youth and climate change.
Kevin Spacey receives star support as he fights to get his career back
Kevin Spacey is pushing back on the 'rush to judgment' against him and is being backed by some big names as he seeks to reclaim his acting career.
Speaker cuts ties with Sask. Party, alleges he faced threats, harassment from gov't MLAs
The Speaker of the Saskatchewan Legislature Randy Weekes has severed ties with the Sask. Party after accusing some members of harassment and intimidation tactics, including a situation he claimed saw the Government House Leader bring a hunting rifle to the legislative building.