Crossing the P.E.I. bridge for free could be a major boost for Maritime trade.

Last week, Liberal Leader Mark Carney promised to remove fees for the Confederation Bridge and the Wood Islands Ferry, and on Monday the Conservatives promised to do the same if elected.

Frederic Gionet, the director of legislative affairs with the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, said it’s a major concern for islanders.

Many businesses frequently import and export across the bridge, and trucks have to pay every time they go over. He said it’s a barrier to bring things into the province, where New Brunswick and Nova Scotia do not face the same issue.

“It changes your business decision. It makes P.E.I. much further, either psychologically or even from a cost perspective,” said Gionet.

“It’s a cost that needs to go somewhere.”

He said removing tolls could also improve trade between the Maritime provinces, which is even more important “in the times of the upcoming U.S. tariffs.”

For small cars, the bridge costs $50.25, while the ferry is $86 round trip.

Gionet said this has been a major concern for islanders for a long time.