‘A tariff on Nova Scotians’: Premier criticizes N.B. plan to place toll near border

Politicians in Nova Scotia are speaking out against a planned toll on the Trans-Canada highway by the New Brunswick government.

Premier Susan Holt’s government announced a toll in the Aulac area, just across the border from Nova Scotia, as part of its recent budget. That toll is expected to be operational by 2028.

In Nova Scotia, Premier Tim Houston called the decision frustrating.

“I understand they’re feeling budget pressure, but this is a time we’re trying to remove any barriers interprovincially from people and products,” Houston told reporters. “It’s an unfortunate decision.”

“That is the route that Nova Scotians take to get to the rest of Canada, so it’s really a tariff on Nova Scotians,” he said.

The premier said he had not spoken to Holt directly about the toll, but some conversations between the governments were happening in the background.

Cumberland North MLA Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin, who represents the area bordering New Brunswick, said a toll would significantly impact her constituents, many of whom travel across the border for work, medical appointments, or to see family.

She called on Houston to speak to Holt about the toll.

“I know he’s got a great relationship with Premier Doug Ford in Ontario, but to benefit the people of Nova Scotia, we need him to work better and more effectively with the premier of New Brunswick,” said Smith-McCrossin.