Time to hear the people

Over the course of the past few weeks protests began popping up in protest of the government’s new legislation that is affecting families across the province of Alberta. The newest protest was a convoy with an estimated 600 plus vehicles that journeyed through Whitecourt on Sunday, December 30. Semi trucks, service trucks, company trucks, tractors, medical, and pickups alike all joined in order to peacefully display the unhappiness that many Albertans are facing. The convoy was hosted by LB Energy Services with vehicles stretched to the Kanata Esso on one side, and to 41 Avenue on the other. The protest stopped for no-one as they moved through traffic and blocked a train as they passed through town. Horns blaring this protest was going to be seen and heard.

The protests have been organized to peacefully demonstrate many citizens displeasure with the new legislation being implemented on the oil and gas industry such as the carbon tax. These new rules and regulations are creating barriers for the industry. The convoy was organized by Blaine Lewis who wanted to draw attention to the problem at hand.

“We saw what was happening in our surrounding communities and felt it was our turn. I have a family of my own and own a small business which is being hurt economically. It makes me proud to see how many people came out and stood up for themselves and their families. Everyone who came here today did it on their own dime and not backed by any political organization which makes this more important. People saw what was happening and took it upon themselves to make a change. The government is not taking Albertans into consideration. The only thing I really have left to say is, “Say no to foreign oil. Build the pipeline,” said Blaine.

Lane Brown of LB Energy Services had this to say, “Blaine managed to organize this whole thing and get so many people together. With the oil not getting moved it is impacting the whole industry. There are so many groups giving input on the pipeline not being passed that I am hoping people can see that it needs to get passed. All we wanted to do was bring awareness to the movement.”

These protests are showing no signs of slowing down with outdoor protests every Saturday between the RCMP station and Tim Hortons (Highway 43) at 11 a.m. The next convoy protest is planned in Nisku, Alberta on January 22, 2019. To follow the Yellow Vest Protests and events, keep up to date on the Yellow Vest Whitecourt Facebook page.