Online petition calls for Labrador separation
Hundreds of people have signed an online petition calling for Labrador to separate from the island part of the province.
Online petition calls for Labrador Separation.
Happy Valley-Goose Bay resident Christine Saunders, who started the 'Free Labrador' petition, said the new provincial budget was the last straw.
"We're getting what, 17 kilometres of road going to be done. Everyone knows what the road is like," she said.
"But yet Newfoundland is getting how many millions put into a road that's already paved, to get it widened. Where's that money going to come from?"
A stay-at-home mom with four children, Saunders said the budget will personally affect everyone on a low income
"Labradorians are struggling as it is to make ends meet," she told the CBC.
"If we separated, I think the money coming out of Labrador, if more of it was actually spent within Labrador, people wouldn't be hurting as bad as they are."
As of Wednesday, the change.org petition had 438 signatures.
When asked about how separation could be brought about, Saunders said the most important thing is to get people behind the idea.
"Power in numbers," she said. "It might be hard, but anything good don't come easy."
Many people interviewed by CBC on the street in Happy Valley-Goose Bay on Tuesday said they are not in favour of separating.
"I don't know. I think it's kind of silly," said Courtney Roberts.
"I don't want to separate. I want to stay within the province and Canada," said Pam Pardy.
Saunders said she will be asking businesses throughout Labrador to carry paper copies of the petition for people to sign.
She said she'd like to get 1,000 signatures before bringing it to Labrador MHAs and MP Yvonne Jones.
"There are so many resources in Labrador that so many benefit from, except for Labradorians. It is time for change," said Saunders.