OTTAWA, Ont. – Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, has approved the annual adjustment to toll rates for the Confederation Bridge submitted by Strait Crossing Development, the bridge operator. The year to year inflation adjustment results in a $0.25 increase for all types of vehicles for 2007, except for motorcycles, pedestrians and cyclists. The charge for every additional axle remains unchanged at $6.75.

“Canada’s new government is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all users of Canadian roads and bridges,” said Cannon. “The adjusted toll rates will continue to provide financial support to manage and maintain the bridge and ensure the safety of travellers crossing the Confederation Bridge.”

Under the 1993 Bridge Operating Agreement signed between the Government of Canada and Strait Crossing Development, the bridge operator is entitled to adjust toll rates to inflation every Jan. 1 by an amount not exceeding 75% of the increase in the Consumer Price Index over the previous calendar year.

The adjusted-to-inflation toll rates will apply as of Jan. 1. For more information on the adjusted toll rates, visit the Confederation Bridge Web site at www.confederationbridge.com.