Federal Labour Minister Seamus O’Regan acknowledges that people across the country are feeling the pinch.

The minister was responding to recent concerns raised by the Atlantic Premiers, including Premier Andrew Furey, about the impact on residents should the federal government go ahead with plans to raise carbon taxes again.

O’Regan says the solutions are not easy ones, but he knows rising costs are putting a strain on everyone.

“Trying to find balance is not always easy,” says O’Regan, “but I’m sure when the Atlantic premiers come out and say something the Prime Minister always pays attention.”