Protests planned following 'province-wide discontent' with budget

With discontent for the most recent provincial budget growing across Newfoundland and Labrador, organizers have planned a number of protests for Friday.

• Anti-austerity demonstration held in downtown St. John's
• NAPE kicks off anti-budget campaign with St. John's rally

A group called Coordinated Approach NL has organized two of the protests. In John's, residents will march from the Avalon Mall to Confederation Building, beginning at 10 a.m. 

A number of speakers will be leading the protest and a rideshare has been established for those from outside the city who want to take part.

A public discussion is scheduled at Memorial University as well, from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Arts and Administration Building, room A1043.

Entire province affected

A 10 a.m. march is also planned from Margaret Bowater Park in Corner Brook to Sir Richard Squires Building.

Corner Brook protest organizer Heather Perry said the recent budget will have a strong effect on the entire province.

"The discontent is province wide, it hits all regions. A little bit differently, but also equally in a lot of ways," she said.

Perry said it is important that there are multiple protests happening on Friday.

"I think it strengthens the message. I think there is a huge difference in people sitting in their homes frustrated and angry, but when citizens get together and organize, and organize peacefully, that's powerful," she said.

"If it continues to coordinate and organize and more people get on board, and we become more articulate with our presentations and concerns, then it's going to be challenging for elected officials to side step."

Further protests

NAPE will be leading a protest on Friday in Wabush as well. It will take place at 4:30 p.m. at the courthouse on Whiteway Drive.

Protests are planned in the coming days and weeks in Stephenville, Grand Falls-Windsor, Burin and Bay St. George to continue to challenge Budget 2016.