Several Canadian flags blew in the wind as a large group of people stood below the Blue Water Bridge to voice their concerns about increases to the federal carbon tax, which came into effect on Monday, April 1.
The national price of pollution increased by $15 per tonne to $80. As a result, Ontarians should expect to see increases in items such as gasoline, propane and natural gas.
However, the provincial government announced last week that it was extending the gas tax cut to the end of this year. The temporary measure will see the price of gasoline reduced by 5.7 cents per litre.
City/County Councillor Bill Dennis attended Monday's rally and said Canadians need a break.
"We're at a point where inflation has gone through the roof, where interest rates are still pretty high, the cost of living is crazy, and what they (the federal government) did is they just piled on today... another gut punch," he said. "This is an issue that affects everybody."
Dennis said the impacts from the carbon tax is a topic that's close to his heart.
"It's very similar to my resolution to council that I delivered in October/November about axing the carbon tax. We're at a breaking point," Dennis said. "Not to mention, the MPs got a substantial raise today... people are mad."
Sarnia City Council endorsed a motion in January to urge the federal government to axe the carbon tax following months of discussion and feedback from a public survey.
The carbon tax protest in Point Edward was scheduled to take place from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.