P.E.I. premier says he told Trudeau ‘it’s time’ to remove fees for bridge and ferries

Premier Rob Lantz recently had a direct discussion with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau regarding the elimination of tolls on the Confederation Bridge and fees for the ferry service between P.E.I. and Nova Scotia. This conversation took place during a virtual meeting with other Canadian first ministers, shortly after Lantz was sworn in as premier following Dennis King’s unexpected resignation.

During the meeting, Lantz emphasized the importance of removing barriers to interprovincial trade, with a specific focus on abolishing tolls and fees for crossing from Prince Edward Island to the mainland. Lantz pointed out that the federal government currently subsidizes the private operator of the Confederation Bridge with an annual sum of $40-50 million, making it necessary to reconsider the toll system that penalizes Islanders and exporters.

The Confederation Bridge, which connects P.E.I. to New Brunswick as part of the Trans-Canada Highway, is owned and maintained by the federal government through an agreement that expires in 2032. Despite calls from King and others to reduce the toll fee, Ottawa has yet to make any significant changes.

Lantz’s proposal to eliminate tolls and fees was well-received by Prime Minister Trudeau, who expressed willingness to discuss the issue further. The premier plans to engage with federal Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc to push for action on this matter.

In light of recent discussions surrounding interprovincial trade, Lantz also touched on the potential impact of U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to impose tariffs on Canadian exports. While Trump has postponed the decision, Lantz remains optimistic about resolving trade disputes diplomatically and avoiding a destructive trade war.

Moving forward, Lantz is committed to advocating for the removal of tolls on the Confederation Bridge and ferry services, emphasizing the economic benefits it would bring to Islanders and businesses. By engaging in constructive dialogue with federal officials, the premier aims to address trade barriers and promote smoother cross-border transactions for the benefit of all Canadians.