76% of small businesses say the tolls should be removed.
Charlottetown, PEI, October 22, 2024 — Today, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) launched an awareness campaign to end the Confederation Bridge tolls, calling on federal elected officials and 2025 election candidates to seriously consider removing the financial barrier that separates Prince Edward Island (PEI) from the rest of Canada.
The campaign, titled “Free the Bridge”, focuses on the inequity of continued tolls on the Confederation Bridge compared to other major federal infrastructure projects like the Montreal Champlain and Quebec City bridges, which remain toll-free. The campaign advocates for the elimination of these tolls, citing the economic burdens they place on businesses, residents, and visitors alike.
"It’s time for a change, especially in light of current ferry problems," said Frederic Gionet, Senior Policy Analyst for the CFIB. "Islanders are the only Canadians who must pay a significant toll to access their own province. This is effectively a tax on everything PEI. We're asking federal leaders to end this outdated policy and bring fairness to our transportation infrastructure.”
Economic Barriers & Unfair Treatment
Since its opening in 1997, the Confederation Bridge has charged tolls, currently costing $50.25 per crossing. These fees are a major deterrent to trade, tourism, and economic growth in PEI. For small businesses and industries that rely on shipping and transportation, the tolls add significant costs, making it harder to compete in regional and national markets. These additional costs are either absorbed, or passed on to consumers, contributing to PEI’s typically higher prices.
“PEI’s economy thrives on tourism, agriculture, and small business,” added Gionet. “The tolls create unnecessary costs for all these business sectors and have a ripple effect on the entire region. It’s high time to level the playing field by removing this economic barrier.”
For media enquiries or interviews, please contact:
Frederic Gionet, CFIB
506-866-5548
Frederic.gionet@cfib.ca
About the Campaign
The “Free the Bridge” campaign is a small business grassroots initiative aimed at raising awareness and encouraging federal action to remove tolls on the PEI Confederation Bridge.
Campaign video can be viewed here.
Small business owners can sign the petition at cfib.ca/freethebridge.
About CFIB
The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) is Canada’s largest association of small and medium-sized businesses with 97,000 members across every industry and region, including over 900 in PEI. CFIB is dedicated to increasing business owners’ chances of success by driving policy change at all levels of government, providing expert advice and tools, and negotiating exclusive savings. Learn more at cfib.ca.
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