Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen designated government land for the ongoing carbon tax protest in Alberta.
Juniper Lake Rest stop near Lacombe currently accommodates protestors fighting against the Liberal government’s carbon tax increase, who have been rallying since April 1st.
The area includes semi-permanent camps, along with vendors, enclosed eating spaces, and portable washrooms designed for truckers.
Minister Dreeshen stated that provincial land had been set aside specifically for protestors’ RVs and other vehicles bordering the stopping lanes to help improve highway safety.
“The roadside safety rest areas are for truckers. So overnight in those areas we want to make sure they are reserved for truckers, obviously for their safety,” he said.
“That’s why we did offer adjacent land to the rest area … so if they want to stage or continue on with their protests on public lands, they’re free to do so, and they’re off the highway too,” Dreeshen added.
He stated that upholding the freedoms of the protestors while ensuring truckers’ security was his main priority in offering the land.
“That was our offer to make sure truckers in the area are being protected and have a safe rest area they utilize every day but also respecting the right to protest as well.”
60-day mark for carbon tax protestors
Thursday marked the 60th day for protestors rallying against the carbon tax, with Albertans displaying a “stop Chrystia Freeland” mannequin on the Trans-Canada highway.
Peaceful demonstrations continue nationwide in Canada, with rallies in nearly every province.
Speaking to True North, Albertan protesters said that there’s currently “no departure date” and that they plan on protesting for weeks if that’s what it takes to hear their message in Ottawa.
“We’re going to be camping out. There’s no departure date, let’s put it that way,” an organizer told True North.
