Ottawa announces toll cuts, fare freezes to boost Atlantic Canada travel
"Canada’s new government is bringing costs down and building one, strong Canadian economy."
Starting August 1, tolls on Prince Edward Island’s Confederation Bridge will drop, on average, from $50.25 to $20.00, according to a Monday announcement from Prime Minister Mark Carney.
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The plan, which aims to reduce costs associated with interprovincial transportation routes in Atlantic Canada and Eastern Québec, will also reduce fares by 50 per cent for passengers, vehicles, and commercial traffic on federally-supported Eastern Canada Ferry Services.
Marine Atlantic Inc. ferry services will receive funding to reduce fares by 50 per cent for passengers and passenger vehicles on its routes. The corporation will also freeze commercial freight rates.
Nearly 65 per cent of goods transported in and out of Newfoundland are transported by Marine Atlantic Inc., including 90 per cent of all perishables such as fresh produce, medical oxygen, and propane for home heating, reports The Weather Network's Nathan Coleman.
“Canada’s new government is bringing costs down and building one, strong Canadian economy. The government is focused on reducing the cost of transportation, housing, and everyday expenses, and in parallel, connecting Canada’s economy through major, nation-building infrastructure and breaking down internal trade barriers,” reads a statement on the Prime Minister’s website.
“These changes deliver on a core commitment of the Prime Minister to unite the Canadian economy and put more money back in Canadians’ pockets. These will help lower costs, improve mobility between provinces, and drive long-term economic growth for Canadians as we build the strongest economy in the G7.”
The fare reductions and freezes will go into effect August 1. (Nathan Coleman)
The confederation bridge was completed in 1997 and spans 12.9 kilometers. It can be subject to restrictions to high sided vehicles and closures during extreme wind events.
Canadians encouraged to spend more money at home
In April, Prime Minister Carney announced the introduction of the Canada Strong Pass, which became available at the start of June.
The pass is designed to help kids and young families discover the best of Canada-for free.
Under the plan, children and youth under 18 get free admission to national parks, galleries, and museums, along with free VIA Rail tickets when travelling with a parent.
People in the 18 to 24-year-old age cohort are eligible for steep discounts.
The pass also reduces fees for camping at national parks.
VIDEO: Learn more about the Canada Strong pass
Written with the help of files from Nathan Coleman.
Header image: Cheryl Santa Maria for The Weather Network. Graphics and images sourced from Canva Pro. Created with Photoshop.