Senator Gold, Liberal MP Robert Morrissey has written to Prime Minister Carney, requesting that the promised reduction of tolls on the Confederation Bridge, connecting Prince Edward Island to New Brunswick, and the Wood Islands ferry between Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia be implemented in time for Canada Day on July 1. Reducing tolls by July 1 would allow Prince Edward Islanders, summer visitors, businesses and communities to save money and benefit from reduced trade barriers.

Given that the Confederation Bridge is owned by the Government of Canada and charges over $50 to cross, and that the Champlain Bridge in Montreal is also owned by the Government of Canada but is toll-free, can you confirm that these tolls will be reduced by July 1 to restore fairness for Prince Edward Islanders?

Senator Gold, you will be pleased to hear that this is my last question ever on tolls on the Confederation Bridge. For the newer members of the chamber, there have been numerous questions over the years.

Senator Gold, the Prime Minister’s commitment to reduce tolls was not limited to the Confederation Bridge and the Wood Islands ferry. He also promised to reduce by “at least half” the fares charged for the ferry service connecting Souris in Prince Edward Island to the Îles de la Madeleine in Quebec, as well as the Marine Atlantic service connecting Nova Scotia to Newfoundland and Labrador.

Can you inquire if these fares will also be reduced by Canada Day? Could you also pass on the thanks and appreciation of Prince Edward Islanders to Prime Minister Carney for finally taking action on the unfair treatment that Islanders have been receiving for the last decade? Thank you.