January 12, 1999
(Executive Council)

Minister Noel discusses toll highways issue with Nova Scotia MP

Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Walter Noel met today with the Member of Parliament for Cumberland-Colchester (Nova Scotia) Bill Casey to discuss the issue of toll highways and the impacts on this province.

"Mr. Casey has been one of the most outspoken opponents of toll highways," noted Minister Noel. "He provided me with additional detailed information about the two projects in the Maritimes, and we had a productive discussion about how this issue can be addressed."

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador continues to oppose the decisions of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick to allow tolling on their highways, and Premier Tobin has been active in making this province's position known to both the premiers of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, as well as the federal Minister of Transportation, with whom he met last fall. In November, Minister David Collenette indicated that tolls could not be imposed on any future federally funded highways without the consent of the federal government.

"Tolls are of particular concern to this province because we are so far removed from major markets and rely heavily on ground transportation," said Minister Noel. "Every time a toll is imposed somewhere else in Canada, the cost of doing business in Newfoundland and Labrador increases. We believe tolling could be eliminated if the federal government were to increase its investment in this country's highway system. We have expressed our concerns to the federal minister and will continue to work toward a national solution."

Media contact: Paula Dyke, Communications, (709) 729-0329.

1999 01 12                                          4:30 p.m.