A new proposal out of New Brunswick is starting to stir up some serious conversation, and even pushback from the federal level.
The province is planning to introduce a highway toll for non-residents leaving the province along the Trans-Canada Highway near the Nova Scotia border. The idea is to generate revenue for road and bridge maintenance, with estimates suggesting it could bring in over $10 million annually once it’s in place, potentially by 2028.
But the plan hasn’t exactly been met with enthusiasm. Mark Carney has publicly said he’s “not happy” with the proposal, pointing out that the federal government is trying to reduce internal trade barriers, not add new ones.
At the same time, Premier Susan Holt is defending the idea, saying tolls already exist in places like Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, and that it’s reasonable for people using the infrastructure to help pay for it.
The debate is now growing beyond politics, with concerns being raised about the potential economic impact on travel, tourism, and businesses across Atlantic Canada.
So, while the toll is still a couple of years away, it’s already shaping up to be a much bigger conversation about how provinces fund infrastructure, and how connected the region really is.
