FREDERICTON — The premier of Prince Edward Island is asking Ottawa for an update on the federal plan to reduce tolls on the Confederation Bridge and fares charged by Northumberland Ferries.

In a recent letter to federal Transport Minister Chrystia Freeland, Premier Rob Lantz says the fees are trade barriers that boost the cost of living and reduce the competitiveness of Island businesses.

He says they also hinder off-Island access to essential services like health care and education.

Lantz says his government has done its part to remove interprovincial trade barriers by passing the Interprovincial Trade and Mobility Act.

During the recent federal election campaign, the Liberals led by Mark Carney promised to lower the bridge tolls by more than half, and to reduce the cost of certain ferry routes by at least half.

A statement from Freeland’s office did not say when the federal government would reduce the tolls and fares.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 27, 2025.

The Canadian Press