Latest news with #tollreduction
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
P.E.I. premier says he is '10 out of 10' confident bridge, ferry tolls will be reduced
Prince Edward Island Premier Rob Lantz says after speaking with the prime minister during this week's Council of the Federation meetings that he is confident fares to cross the Confederation Bridge and use the Northumberland ferry service will be reduced soon. During the federal election campaign, Prime Minister Mark Carney pledged to cut the bridge tolls by more than half and reduce the cost of ferry rates between P.E.I. and Nova Scotia by at least 50 per cent. So far, that hasn't happened. But after three days of meetings with his provincial counterparts and Carney wrapped up Wednesday, Lantz was asked how confident he is that the reductions would happen, on a scale one to 10. "I'm a 10 out of 10…. We're going to make this happen," he told CBC News: Compass host Louise Martin. "It's my number one priority for the remainder of the summer to get this over the line." As for a timeline, Lantz said he couldn't specify one because there is a lot of administrative and legal work that has to be done first. 'Bumpy road with the United States' Also on the premiers' agenda at the meetings in Huntsville, Ont., was the prospect of Canada reaching a trade deal with the United States by next month. Earlier this month, U.S. President Donald Trump threatened even higher tariffs on Canadian goods that flow south of the border — the new 35 per cent rate is expected to apply to goods that are currently tariffed at 25 per cent beginning Aug. 1. Carney has insisted that the Canadian government will only sign a new trade agreement if there is one worth signing. Lantz said from the conversations at the meeting, it appears the federal government will stand firm and continue negotiations until there is a fair solution. While he believes that will likely happen before the Aug. 1 deadline, Lantz said he recognizes that dealing with Trump can be challenging. "Whether we come to an agreement on Aug. 1 or not, I think the reality is we'll continue to negotiate or have some sort of bumpy road with the United States in terms of our trading relationship," Lantz said. The premier said the relationship between the two countries has changed fundamentally, and that change may outlast Trump's administration. Lantz said he has faith that Carney is working hard and has a strategy to deal with Trump. "It's a very difficult, complex subject, but they're working hard and I hope that we have some sort of resolution on Aug. 1 to give us some certainty going forward," he said. Lantz takes over as chair of the Council of the Federation on Aug. 1. The next summer meeting of the Canadian premiers will take place in P.E.I. from July 21-23, 2026.
CTV News
19-07-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Lowering Confederation Bridge toll at the top of P.E.I. Premier's list when meeting with Prime Minister
Prince Edward Island's Confederation Bridge is seen on May 31, 2022. (CTV Atlantic) Lowering the Confederation Bridge toll is at the top of Prince Edward Island Premier Rob Lantz's list when he meets with Prime Minister Mark Carney next week. Lantz will travel to Ontario for the First Ministers' Meeting and Council of the Federation from July 21 to 23. 'First and foremost, I will be speaking directly with Prime Minister Carney and his team about the immediate need to follow through on their promise to lower the tolls on the Confederation Bridge to $20 and reduce the Wood Islands Ferry tolls by half,' he said in a news release Friday. Carney said he would lower the tolls during his election campaign in April. Currently, the Confederation Bridge toll is $50.25. Lantz said he also intends to bring up recent issues with the new MV Northumberland and will ask that Transport Canada officials 'monitor the situation closely.' 'It is imperative that we have a consistent, two-vessel ferry service throughout the season to support our economy and maintain confidence in our transportation infrastructure,' said Lantz. The meetings bring together all of Canada's premiers from each of the 13 provinces and territories. 'It enables Premiers to work collaboratively, form closer ties, foster constructive relationships among governments, and show leadership on important issues that matter to Canadians,' reads a news release from the Council of the Federation. Lantz said he also hopes to work with his colleagues to continue to break down internal trade barriers, explore new trading partnerships and increase labour mobility throughout the country. 'With ongoing uncertainty in our trade relationship with the United States, it is more important than ever that we strengthen our domestic economic ties and work together to explore new markets for our products and services around the world,' said Lantz. For more P.E.I. news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
CTV News
03-06-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Businesses call to lower Confederation Bridge Toll
Businesses call to lower Confederation Bridge Toll The Canadian Business Federation called for the reduction or removal of tolls on the Confederation Bridge.
