Independent Nova Scotia MLA Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin is calling for the removal of highway tolls in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick [1].

These tolls represent a significant point of contention for regional commerce because they increase the cost of transporting goods across provincial borders. By framing these fees as trade barriers, the proposal seeks to lower overhead for businesses and drivers who rely on the Atlantic corridor for economic activity [1, 3].

Smith-McCrossin specifically targeted the existing toll at the Cobequid Pass in Nova Scotia and the planned toll at Aulac, located at the border between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia [1, 4]. She said these charges hinder the flow of commerce between provinces and negatively impact regional economic growth [1, 3].

The Cobequid Pass has been in operation for nearly three decades, having opened approximately 27 years ago in 1997 [1]. Despite its long-standing presence, Smith-McCrossin said the continued collection of fees is counterproductive to the goal of seamless inter-provincial trade [1, 3].

In New Brunswick, the planned Aulac toll is a new point of friction. Smith-McCrossin said the introduction of new tolls at the provincial boundary creates an unnecessary hurdle for the movement of goods and services [1, 4]. This perspective aligns with a broader argument that infrastructure costs should not be borne by commercial transporters if it restricts the competitiveness of regional trade [3].

The MLA's advocacy emphasizes that removing these financial obstacles would encourage more fluid movement of goods. She said the elimination of both the Aulac and Cobequid Pass tolls is necessary to support the economic health of the Atlantic provinces [1, 3].

“Tolls act as a trade barrier, increasing costs for drivers and businesses.”

This push to eliminate tolls reflects a tension between provincial infrastructure funding and regional economic integration. While tolls provide a direct revenue stream for highway maintenance, they create 'friction' at borders that can discourage frequent cross-border commercial transit. If successful, the removal of these tolls would signal a shift toward prioritizing the Atlantic provinces as a single integrated economic zone rather than separate jurisdictions with fragmented transport costs.