Presentation of NL Budget Postponed After Protesting Fishers Block Legislature

Royal Newfoundland Constabulary officers on horses try to disperse a shouting crowd as protesting fishers blocked Newfoundland and Labrador government officials from entering the legislature ahead of the scheduled presentation of the provincial budget in St.John's on March 20, 2024. The Canadian Press/Sarah Smellie

A protest that descended into a chaotic confrontation between mounted police officers and fishers outside the Newfoundland and Labrador legislature on March 20 morning delayed the release of the provincial budget.

Royal Newfoundland Constabulary officers tried to disperse the crowd blocking access to the legislature but were largely unsuccessful and two people—including a police officer—were taken away from the scene on stretchers.