N.L.'s Liberal premier calls for emergency meeting with PM as anti-carbon tax protests snarl highways

Protests erupted across the country against the federal carbon tax on Monday — the same day it rose by 23 per cent — while Canada's only Liberal provincial leader pressed for an emergency meeting to discuss alternative ways to cut emissions.

In a letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey called for an emergency meeting of leaders throughout Canada, arguing the program is too costly for his province and doesn't work as intended.

Instead, Furey is urging the federal government to make «bold investments» in infrastructure and incentives akin to the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act to drive consumers to change their habits.

«Today, a gas-powered truck drives fishing gear to the wharf in a rural Newfoundland and Labrador community. After April 1, there will be an additional carbon tax, but that same truck must still drive fishing gear to the wharf,» Furey wrote.

«There are no alternatives available. So, the key intent of this policy, to lower emissions, is not being achieved at this time.»

Trudeau responded today that while the price on pollution is rising, so is the Canada Carbon Rebate.

«It's money in people's pockets while we continue stepping up in the fight against climate change,» said Trudeau while making an unrelated announcement in Ottawa.

«So all those premiers that are busy complaining about the price on pollution but not putting forward a concrete alternative that they think would be better for their communities are just playing politics.»

Trudeau did not confirm whether he would heed Furey's call for an emergency meeting.

Protests across Canada

Meanwhile, a countrywide protest against the carbon tax has drawn large crowds and vehicles to at least 15 locations across Canada,