The Yellow Vest Movement made its way to Estevan on Saturday, as about 50 people gathered in front of Estevan City Hall in response to the federal Liberal government's stance on a number of issues.
Many of the protesters were clad in yellow vests or jackets, and carried signs denouncing the Liberals. Passing motorists honked their horns to support the protests.
Jay Riedel, who was a protest organizer, said Western Canadians are feeling alienated with the way the Liberals have treated this part of the country. He added that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau seems to make decisions without the support of tax-paying Canadians.
He was particularly critical of the Liberals' plan to force a carbon tax on Saskatchewan and other provinces.
"That's just basically going to shut down the oil field," said Riedel. "Especially in the west. We need things going, and the pipeline we definitely need to go forward, get some jobs going, and get everybody back to the point where they can survive.”
Riedel also criticized the Liberals on such files as illegal immigration, and the treatment of veterans and senior citizens.
"Our money seems to be going overseas and everywhere but where it should be going," said Riedel.
Riedel expects there will be more protests in Estevan in the future.
The yellow vests movement started in France earlier in the fall, and have spread to other parts of the world.
Next week's edition of the Mercury will have more on this story.
