Protests erupted across the country against the federal carbon tax today Monday – the same day it rose by 23 percent – while Canada's only regional Liberal leader pushed for an emergency meeting to discuss alternative ways to reduce emissions.

In a message to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey called for an emergency meeting of leaders across Canada, arguing that the program is too costly for his province and is not working as intended.

Instead, Furey urges the federal government to make "bold investments" in infrastructure and provide incentives similar to the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act to encourage consumers to change their habits.

Furey wrote: "Today, a gas-powered truck is transporting fishing equipment to the dock in a rural community in Newfoundland and Labrador. After April 1, there will be an additional carbon tax, but the same truck must transport the fishing equipment to the dock." 

"There are no alternatives available. Therefore, the primary goal of this policy, which is to reduce emissions, has not been achieved at this time.

Trudeau responded today that as the price of pollution rises, the Canadian carbon rebate also increases.

Trudeau said while issuing an unrelated announcement in Ottawa: "It's money in people's pockets while we continue to ramp up efforts to fight climate change."

"So all the premiers busy complaining about the cost of pollution but not offering a tangible alternative that they believe would be better for their communities are just playing politics."

Trudeau did not confirm whether he will respond to Furey's call for an emergency meeting.

Protests Across Canada

Meanwhile, protests across the country against the carbon tax attracted large crowds and vehicles to at least 15 locations across Canada, including the Parliament building as well as major highways between provinces.

Videos posted on social media show hundreds of cars, trucks, RVs, and tractors lined up and loaded with Canadian flags and "Axe The Tax" signs. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) are present at most demonstrations but warn drivers of delays.

The group organizing the movement says it aims to keep at least one traffic lane open "while maintaining the line indefinitely until the carbon tax is ended."

As of April 1, the carbon price is $80 per ton of emissions – up from $65 – adding another three cents per liter at the gas pump.

In Newfoundland and Labrador, protester Mike Coons says the rebate payments do not change his opposition to the tax. According to Coons, "They don't need to take our money and send it back to us because they show sympathy towards us, the carbon tax has made everything more expensive."

Outside Calgary at the intersection of Highway 1 and Highway 22, small business owner Steve Troh says he joined the protest because he is struggling more than ever.

Troh said, "I'm really fed up with how hard it is," "Bills keep going up and we can't keep up."

Increasing Political Resistance

This policy has undergone intense scrutiny in recent weeks. Premiers of seven provinces have called on the federal government to temporarily halt the increase or cancel the program altogether.

Some of these premiers – Scott Moe of Saskatchewan, Danielle Smith of Alberta, and Blaine Higgs of New Brunswick – made their case against the federal carbon pricing system at the Parliament building last week. Each testified before the House of Commons government operations and estimates committee, arguing that the tax worsens inflation by increasing the cost of everything.

The Liberal government says eight out of 10 families make more money from the rebates than they pay in the carbon tax. This year, the average family of four in Canada will receive between $760 and $1,800 annually in rebate payments, depending on where they live.