Hon. Jim Quinn: Minister LeBlanc, unlike Ontario and Quebec, New Brunswick has an unequal responsibility for the upkeep of international bridges that fall under federal jurisdiction. New Brunswick bears 100% of the costs for all 10 international bridges in the province, and New Brunswick has more international bridges than any other province.

In 1990, the federal government transferred the ownership and maintenance of five of those bridges between Maine and New Brunswick to the Government of New Brunswick, who also received a one-time payment of $5 million. In hindsight, this was a very bad deal for the province, but as we all know, bad deals have been undone and changed by governments in the past.

To put things in perspective, Ontario and Quebec combined have responsibility for only 3 of their 16 international bridges. Today, the federal government is paying 100% of the cost for both the Canadian and American portions of the Windsor Gordie Howe International Bridge.

As a fellow New Brunswicker, do you not agree that federal support for New Brunswick’s international bridges should be reassessed as a matter of fairness?

Hon. Jim Quinn, of Saint John, New Brunswick, introduced between Hon. Marc Gold, P.C., and Hon. Pierrette Ringuette.

The following honourable senator was introduced; presented Her Majesty’s writ of summons; took the solemn affirmation, which was administered by the Clerk of the Senate; and was seated.