A new pilot project announced by the provincial government is now allowing select Islanders to cross the Confederation Bridge free of charge. The pilot project will allow any Islander with the last name Gallant or MacDonald to cross the bridge for free. This government pilot comes in response to many Islanders wanting to see the bridge toll lifted for those who live on PEI.





The rules for the change are simple, if your PEI drivers license contains the last name Gallant or MacDonald, you are permitted to cross the Confederation Bridge free of charge. Island women with the maiden name Gallant or MacDonald on the other hand, are out of luck.

“To throw away a good Island name just cause you’re marrying some Arsenault from up the road is the reason they won’t be crossing for free.” stated a government spokesperson when asked why maiden names wouldn’t be accepted. On the other side of things, one man from St. Peters said he was going to take his wife’s name just for the savings.





Just a few days into the pilot, toll booth workers have been on high alert for Islanders trying to beat the system. “We’ve caught a few McDonald’s trying to write the “a” on their licenses, as well as a crew of Gallant’s from Rustico who have been charging a pack of smokes to drive your car across for you.” - Toll booth worker





Some other strong Island names are up in arms about the government's choice as well. The matriarch for the Gaudet (Goodie) family clan believes this is an outrage and blatant government county-ism for leaving out the biggest last name in Prince County. “Until the Gaudets can cross the bridge for free, I’ll be using the boat!” - Barb Gaudet stated until she realized that the ferry is a two and a half hour drive from Tignish.





If the pilot is a success the next stage is to allow all “real” Islanders to cross for free. If you were born off-island, it doesn’t matter if you’ve lived here since you were 2, come-from-aways will always pay.





Jamie Gallant-MacDonald

Mosquito Reporter