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Wednesday, March 23, 2011

A Potential Election Call Will Not Jeopardize Bridge Deal

The final steps in the transfer of the Harbour Bridge to the Province are underway in the legislature today.
Transportation Minister Claude Williams introducing legislation this morning to dissolve the Saint John Harbour Bridge Authority.
With a looming election call on Friday, many are wondering how it may impact the deal but, the Department of Transportation tells CHSJ News the Government of Canada says it's a done deal.    Saint John MP Rodney Weston confirms this saying the deal was binding the day it was announced.
Provincial legislation fulfills the Alward government's commitment to take on the assets and liabilities of the Bridge authority.
1st reading of the legislation is being put forward today with debate to follow and the 2nd and 3rd readings before the deadline of March 31st.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper was in Saint John last fall to announce the deal to see the tolls removed, the debt forgiven and ownership transferred to the Province.