'We find it a bit of a struggle': Budget protest message from Corner Brook

Close to 300 people from all walks of life gathered in Corner Brook Thursday morning, to march and protest against the provincial budget.

• Demonstrators converge on Confederation Building to protest budget

• Protests planned following 'province-wide discontent' with budget

From students to seniors, the crowd gathered at Margaret Bowater Park and walked to the nearby Sir Richard Squires building, where many provincial government offices are located.

One man in the crowd had his seven-week-old baby bundled inside his jacket.

"We find it a bit of a strugglewe are new homeowners, I'm just getting out of school," said Devon Fry, holding his daughter Delilah Jane.

"Do you know what it's like trying to scrape together to make ends meet? I only made $6,000 last year at a part-time job, soit [the budget]basically takes my work and makes it mean nothing."

Corner Brook's protest coincided with rallies in St. John's and Wabush, as a coordinated approach to vocalize against the April 14provincial budget, that saw numerous tax hikes, higher service fees and cuts to services.

'We are listening,' says MHA

Representatives of the Qalipu Mi'kmaq First Nation, Grenfell Campus Student Union, and several non-profit groups spoke at the rally.

"This budget is going to take more and more money out of the pockets of the individuals that really need it the most. And those that have the money and can do more, are not hurting. So its not fair," said Jade Kearley, with the Community Mental Health Initiative.

Corner Brook MHA Gerry Byrne and Bay of Islands MHA Eddie Joyce showed up atthe protest and stood in the back during the speeches, each addressing the crowd briefly afterwards.

"There have been a lot of point of views expressed right across the province. Today one of the messages that needs to be given is we are listening. This is a difficult situation," saidByrne.