Canada cutting tolls on PEI bridge, Atlantic Canada ferries

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OTTAWA — Spending a late-summer holiday exploring Green Gables will soon cost Canadians far less.

Speaking from the south shores of Prince Edward Island Monday morning, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced big cuts to bridge and ferry tolls in Atlantic Canada and Quebec — part of what he says is his plan to make life more affordable.

“One of the reasons, seven months ago when I decided to run for Parliament, was to bring Canadians closer together so that we could build Canada strong,” Carney said during the press conference, referencing conversations with Liberal MPs from PEI.

“That caucus made this point to me, and I made a promise then not only to Islanders but to all atlantic Canadians, that we could cut the tolls on the Confederation Bridge.”

With a distant Confederation Bridge as a backdrop, Carney announced that tolls on the nearly 13-kilometer long crossing would be cut from $50 per vehicle to $20.

As well, fares for passengers and vehicles on federally-supported services by Eastern Canada Ferry Services will be cut in half and no longer be charged fuel surcharges, as will rides on Marine Atlantic ferries between Nova Scotia and Newfoundland.

“We’re doing that to bring Atlantic Canada closer together, to bring Canadians closer together,” Carney said.

Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson, who is also MP for St. John’s East, said cutting fares for those travelling to and from Newfoundland will make a big difference.

“We are reliant on Marine Atlantic as part of our connection with the Atlantic Canadian provinces and also the rest of Canada,” she said.

“This is an important decision for us on connectivity, it’s an important decision for our economy, and it’s an important decision for our families and how we connect.”

bpassifiume@postmedia.com
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