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There are two counterarguments to such a claim. Firstly, for almost half of its existence, the original Champlain Bridge did indeed charge a toll, which was not lifted until 1990. Perhaps if the new Champlain Bridge also charged tolls for the first 28 years of its useful life, Islanders would no longer find the situation objectionable.

But more fundamentally, for Islanders, the idea that the new Champlain Bridge is a “replacement bridge” is a distinction without a difference. Every bridge is a replacement for what came before, be that an older bridge, a ferry, or a lengthy alternate route. In the case of the link between Prince Edward Island and the rest of Canada, travellers initially relied on a steamer during the summer and iceboats in winter. Later, those were replaced by a year-round ferry, which in turn was replaced by Confederation Bridge and the seasonal ferry we have now. As time and technology advanced, the nature of that link evolved as one mode was “replaced” by another.

Just as the new Champlain Bridge will replace its predecessor, so did Confederation Bridge replace the link that had previously existed.

The simple truth is, the Champlain Bridge will be toll-free as a result of political calculation. It was certainly not based on any financial consideration. Everything else is mere justification after the fact.

Treating Canadians differently depending on where they live, in addition to being grossly unfair, increases regional alienation by pitting citizens in different provinces against each other.

It is time for Prime Minister Trudeau to show leadership and reduce this strain on national unity by fixing the toll problem.

Percy Downe is a senator from Charlottetown.