Protesters block access to Confederation Building parking lot

A small group of protesters briefly blocked traffic near Confederation Building in St. John's Wednesday morning, in the latest demonstration targeting Premier Dwight Ball and the Liberals' austerity budget. 

At least five people stood in the road accessing the complex's employee parking lot, off Higgins Line. Access to Confederation Building at Prince Philip Drive was also blocked off.

The protest started around 7:50 a.m.

Royal Newfoundland Constabulary officers were on the scene by 8 a.m. and the protesters were cleared from the area within 10 minutes.

The protesters, who were holding up "Resign" Dwight Ball signs, were with the #nlrising group that has been dogging the premier and the Liberal government since the provincial budget was tabled in April. The budget raised taxes and fees while trimming some public services. 

Michael Collins, one of the protesters, said the group organized through social media and a common discontent with government's budget.

"There are half lies and half truths, forget about it. They're not doing no justice for us, they're trying to tax us into the grave. Austerity does not work," he said.

Collins said the group expected police to be called to break up the scene fairly quickly.

'We made our point'

"People want to come in and get to work, they don't want to be bothered with all this I don't think, even though we're here to help the people," said Collins.

"The b'ys decided to just pack it up. We made our point and move on to the next one."

Collins said the group has more protests and demonstrations planned through the summer "to keep the government on their toes."