Demonstrators converge on Confederation Building to protest budget

Protesters in St. John's marched against Premier Dwight Ball and the new Liberal budgetFriday, converging on Confederation Building, while demonstrations werealso held in other communities across the province.

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As many as 1,000 people marched from the Avalon Mall to the seat of government, carrying signs and chanting to voice their displeasure. Passing cars blew their horns in support as they passed by on the Prince Philip Parkway.

Protesters used words like "rotten" and "oppressive" to describe the budget. One person said it won't be easy to stay in the province unless things change.

A number of speakers addressed the crowd on the steps of Confederation Building, to supporting cheers. Chants of "they say cutback, we say fight back" broke out before and after speeches.

'Been had'

The government's handling of mental health services, children's and seniors' rights,and economic policy were among the issues raised by protesters.

Gemma HickeyofThe Pathways Foundationdid not hide her displeasure with the Liberal budget.

"We've gone from have-not, to have, to been had," she said.

Hickey said Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have the power to shape the province and create change following the controversial budget.

"What to you wish your Newfoundland and Labrador to look like? What tools will you use to build it back up again? We are the architects," Hickey said.

'A regressive budget'

Ralph Morris with the Newfoundland and Labrador Public Sector Pensioners' Association said that he has spoken to seniors who have had their rents increased and health services cut.

"This is a regressive budget," Morris said.

He said he will be travelling the province to speak with seniors and hear their concerns on the budget.

Speaking on behalf of veterans, James McDonald choked back tears as he addressed the crowd gathered on the steps. McDonald said he moved to the province for a fresh start.

"I wanted a better life. This is not a better life," he said.

McDonald said he has post traumatic stress disorder and is a single parent, and government cuts to mental health services are making things harder.

"I was taught as a soldier, a 25-year soldier, you fight for those who can't fight for themselves. It's not only monetary, it's the next generation we're fighting for," he said.

More protests

Similarprotests were organized Friday in Corner Brook andWabush,byCoordinated Approach NL andthe Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Public and Private Employees.

Finance Minister Cathy Bennett brought down a tough budget on April 14 that included across-the-board tax hikes, a new deficit reduction levy and scores of fee hikes.

The government is also closing or reducing some public services, and has said that more tough measures will be introduced in a fall mini-budget and in next spring's budget.

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