The Tantramar Liberal Association is calling on the provincial government to reconsider its proposed highway toll in Aulac.
In a social media post, the association said the planned location could have unintended consequences for residents and businesses in southeastern New Brunswick.
“The Tantramar Liberals have made it clear to our Liberal government that we oppose its proposed highway toll in Aulac,” the association said.
“As an association representing the interests of our local communities and our party members, we believe it’s important to speak openly when a provincial policy raises legitimate concerns for the people and businesses of Tantramar.”
The association said residents regularly cross the New Brunswick-Nova Scotia border for shopping, medical appointments, business and visits with family and friends.
It added that Nova Scotians also regularly travel to southeastern New Brunswick.
While acknowledging the province’s responsibility to maintain infrastructure, the association said it has concerns about the proposal.
“We recognize the province’s responsibility to maintain infrastructure, but we are concerned that revenue calculations are flawed and the planned placement will have unintended consequences, including economic hardship on people and local businesses in southeastern New Brunswick,” the association said.
The group said it has been communicating its concerns to the provincial government and is asking that the proposal be reconsidered.
In a statement provided to the Acadia Broadcasting Newsroom, association president Merrill Fullerton said local Liberals remain hopeful their concerns will be heard by the Holt government.
Fullerton said the association is not opposed to tolls, but to the proposed location.
“To be clear, the Tantramar Liberal Association is not opposed to tolls – rather we believe the Aulac location being proposed is not optimal and it poses economic risks to southeastern New Brunswick,” he said.
