FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 11, 2025

Statement from Matt MacFarlane on the PC government’s failure to cover bridge and ferry tolls for Islanders travelling off-Island for medical care

Charlottetown, PE – I am deeply disappointed that this government has chosen not to include funding in the provincial operating budget to cover the cost of bridge and ferry tolls for Islanders who must travel off-Island for medical care. Last fall, I brought forward a motion calling on the government to do exactly that — and it received unanimous support from all MLAs, including Minister of Health Mark McLane and Premier Rob Lantz.

We’ve heard the Premier speak loudly and clearly in his call for the federal government to remove bridge and ferry tolls for all travellers. I support that effort and I acknowledge that eliminating tolls entirely would certainly require the cooperation of the federal government.

However, while we wait for federal action, there is absolutely no excuse for the province not to step up and support Islanders who have no choice but to leave the province to access essential medical care. Covering tolls for medical travel is something this government could easily do right now. It’s a modest investment that would make a real difference in the lives of Islanders facing medical challenges, especially those already under financial stress.

The government clearly recognizes the burden these tolls place on Islanders, yet they continue to choose symbolic lobbying over real, immediate support. Islanders deserve more than words — they deserve action. It’s unfortunate that while this government will invest millions in NHL deals and contracts with private consulting firms, they won’t invest in helping the very people who need it most.

Matt MacFarlane
MLA Borden-Kinkora
Third Party Critic for Health

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