QUESTION PERIOD — Infrastructure
Confederation Bridge and Bridge Tolls
December 5, 2023
Senator Gold, as you know, Prince Edward Islanders are delighted the Confederation Bridge was constructed to connect Prince Edward Island to Canada. I see you smiling. You may be anticipating my question.
However, we were disappointed that the long-standing user‑pay infrastructure policy was changed when the Champlain Bridge in Montreal, which is also owned by the Government of Canada, had the tolls removed.
As you may be aware, we’re now paying over $50 to cross the Confederation Bridge, while the Champlain Bridge, which cost five times more than the Confederation Bridge to construct, is free. Last year, recognizing the impact this was having on Prince Edward Islanders, rather than remove the fees, the Government of Canada froze the cost-of-living increase, which is coming up in December. Is it the intention of the government again to freeze that increase on the tolls?
Thank you. I smiled, Senator Downe, not to belittle the importance of the question but to acknowledge your honourably fierce advocacy for your province and on this issue, which I respect.
I do not know what the government’s intentions are with regard to the matter that you raised. I do understand the disappointment of Islanders and those who, frankly, want to visit the island to have to pay fees. There are, I understand, relevant differences that informed the government’s decision, but I will certainly do my best to make inquiries on this matter.
Senator Gold, I appreciate that. As you know, the freezing of the tolls last year was the first recognition by the Government of Canada of the unfairness that Canadians are being treated differently depending on where they live in Canada. We all pay taxes. Prince Edward Islanders have to pay $50 to cross a federally owned bridge. Citizens of Montreal have a free Champlain Bridge, and now there is a new international bridge in Windsor, the Gordie Howe International Bridge, which will have a toll.
The question, Senator Gold, is this: Why has the government acknowledged that there is a problem with the tolls by freezing them last year, but won’t take the next step, which is to remove the tolls, as you are doing in Montreal?
Senator Downe, I understand your point of view, as does the government.
There are relevant distinctions between bridges that link Canada to the United States and the nature and volume of the traffic and reasons for which the traffic is necessary, which may or may not satisfy you or others but, I believe, likely inform the decisions on tolls.
Again, the government’s decision last year was a recognition of the costs, and I will add those to my inquiry.
