Champlain Bridge/Confederation Bridge fairness demanded

A P.E.I. Senator wants to make certain Montrealers don't get a better deal than Prince Edward Islanders when it comes to federal funding for a new bridge.

Percy Downe told CBC News Wednesday he's paying close attention to how the federal government funds a new bridge in Quebec to ensure users of the Confederation Bridge, which connects P.E.I. to the mainland, are treated fairly.

Montreal's multi-billion dollar Champlain Bridge is expected to open in four years. The federal government is adamant bridge drivers should be charged a toll, but the federal opposition, Montreal's mayor, and Quebec's premier all think it should be toll-free.

Downe told a finance committee this week that if Ottawa contributes a significant amount to the bridge and doesn't charge a toll or keeps it extremely low, there will be a good argument for lowering the $45 toll on the Confederation Bridge.

"If they indicate there's no tolls, there'll be an element of unfairness about that, and we would want to adjust the tolls," said Downe.

"Obviously the people who built the bridge have to recover their money, maintenance has to be done, but why are we paying such a high toll if others are paying no tolls?"

The federal government contributes $42 million each year to help pay for the billion dollar Confederation Bridge.

The federal government has not yet indicated how much it will contribute to the Champlain Bridge.