Tory supporters in Windsor, Ont., take up axes against carbon tax
The federal Conservative Party's promise to 'axe' the carbon tax came true in a literal sense in Windsor, Ont., on Wednesday night, with Tory supporters throwing actual axes at targets.
Hosted by the federal Tory association for Windsor West, the event took place at Bad Axe Throwing — an entertainment venue on Dougall Avenue.
About 50 people showed up to hurl axes in the competition areas. The participation fee was $20. Attendees were invited to post their gas bills on the bulls-eye boards.
Brian Green of Windsor hurls an axe at Bad Axe Throwing on Dougall Avenue. (Dalson Chen/CBC)
Association president Al Teshuba came up with the idea.
"I think the symbolism is obvious," he told CBC Windsor. "The Conservative platform, number one, is axe the tax."
"There's many other ways to improve the climate than adding a ridiculous carbon tax on Canadians that are burdened enough."
Inside the venue Bad Axe Throwing on Dougall Avenue in Windsor during a Conservative Party rally against the federal carbon tax. (Dalson Chen/CBC)
A sign at the event by the federal Tory association for Windsor West at Bad Axe Throwing on Dougall Avenue. (Dalson Chen/CBC)
The Conservatives have been campaigning heavily on the issue in recent months, arguing the carbon tax is an unnecessary hardship on Canadians during a time of inflationary pressures.
The Liberal government has pointed out that rebates are being provided — and many households will end up with more dollars in the long run because of those rebates.
But Teshuba dismissed the Liberals' calculations as "not accurate."
"Canadians are going to be losing money... It doesn't work out. This tax is a burden on food, on driving, on heating — It's ridiculous."
Tige Melton, applicant to be the federal Tory candidate for Windsor-Tecumseh. (Dalson Chen/CBC)
The Liberal government has also said carbon pricing is part of a plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Tige Melton, who attended the event, has applied to be the federal Tory candidate for Windsor—Tecumseh.
Asked what's the Conservative plan for addressing greenhouse gas emissions, Melton pointed to more investment in "green technologies, and then export those solutions to the world."
"Canada already has the highest and most stringent policies and emissions when it comes to emissions," Melton claimed.
Brian Green, applicant to be the federal Tory candidate for Windsor West. (Dalson Chen/CBC)
Meanwhile, Brian Green is seeking to be the Tory candidate for Windsor West. He said he wanted to bring a gas bill for axing — but he doesn't receive paper copies anymore.
"I get it digitally, so i didn't have a bill, and I don't want to throw an axe at my phone," Green said.
Asked to gauge his axe-throwing abilities, Green replied: "I think I'm a fair axe thrower. You know, I can hold my own."
A man carrying an upside-down Canadian flag attempts to enter the axe-throwing venue on Dougall Avenue during a federal Tory event — but is turned away by riding association president Al Teshuba. (Dalson Chen/CBC)
Teshuba said the federal Tory candidates for Windsor ridings will be decided later this month.
About six protesters carrying upside-down Canadian flags and anti-Trudeau paraphernalia stood in the parking lot of the venue.
One man attempted to enter the establishment, but was turned away at the door by Teshuba.
