Small group protests budget and gas tax in Happy Valley-Goose Bay

A small group gathered to protest the government's budget and gas tax in Happy Valley-Goose Bay Thursday.

"That's so pointless," protester Jim Learning said.

"People are just going to scale back on what they drive. So the revenues won't change…just the misery of the tax."

The Newfoundland and Labrador government doubled the provincial gas tax of 16.5 cents — plus HST — as a way to help deal with a massive deficit. Despite that and other measures, the April budget still posted a project deficit of almost $1.9-billion. 

Frances Winters said it's not just the tax bump she's concerned about.

"People have to go to work. We have to live. It's really hitting people hard," she said.

"And it's not only that — it's going to cost more for food and everything."

The protesters took their signs to the Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs building, where both the premier and local MHA Perry Trimper have offices.

Kirk Lethbridge was also in attendance. He called on the people of the province to take action.

"Yesterday we saw the huge lineups at the gas stations and some of the pumps going dry and things like that, and even breaking down," he said.

"And if people want to continue down this road and to continue to allow government to put taxes on them, then that's up to the people. If people come out en-masse then things will change."