P.E.I. premier says he’s ’10 out of 10′ assured bridge, ferry tolls will likely be diminished

Prince Edward Island Premier Rob Lantz says after talking with the prime minister throughout this week’s Council of the Federation conferences that he’s assured fares to cross the Confederation Bridge and use the Northumberland ferry service will likely be diminished quickly.

During the federal election marketing campaign, Prime Minister Mark Carney pledged to chop the bridge tolls by greater than half and scale back the price of ferry charges between P.E.I. and Nova Scotia by no less than 50 per cent.

So far, that hasn’t occurred.

But after three days of conferences together with his provincial counterparts and Carney wrapped up Wednesday, Lantz was requested how assured he’s that the reductions would occur, on a scale one to 10. 

“I’m a 10 out of 10…. We’re going to make this happen,” he informed 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 stated he could not specify one as a result of there may be numerous administrative and authorized work that must be carried out first. 

‘Bumpy street with the United States’

Also on the premiers’ agenda on the conferences in Huntsville, Ont., was the prospect of Canada reaching a commerce cope with the United States by subsequent month. 

Earlier this month, U.S. President Donald Trump threatened even larger tariffs on Canadian items that move south of the border — the brand new 35 per cent price is predicted to use to items which can be presently tariffed at 25 per cent starting Aug. 1. 

Carney has insisted that the Canadian authorities will solely signal a brand new commerce settlement if there may be one price signing.

Lantz stated from the conversations on the assembly, it seems the federal authorities will stand agency and proceed negotiations till there’s a truthful answer.

While he believes that will seemingly occur earlier than the Aug. 1 deadline, Lantz stated he acknowledges that coping with Trump could be difficult. 

“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 stated. 

The premier stated the connection between the 2 nations has modified essentially, and that change could outlast Trump’s administration. 

Lantz stated he has religion that Carney is working onerous and has a technique to cope 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 stated. 

Lantz takes over as chair of the Council of the Federation on Aug. 1. The subsequent summer time assembly of the Canadian premiers will happen in P.E.I. from July 21-23, 2026.