In 1987, the Government of Canada issued a proposal call challenging the private sector to devise an environmentally, technically and financially sound alternative to the ferry system that existed at the time between Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick.

After an extensive process, Strait Crossing Development Inc. was named as the Developer charged with designing, building, financing and operating the Confederation Bridge. The 12.9 km structure was completed in May 1997 and carries two lanes of traffic.

Its subsidiary company, Strait Crossing Bridge Limited (SCBL), privately manages, maintains and operates the bridge until 2032, after which time such operations will be transferred to the Government of Canada.

Shareholders of Strait Crossing Development Inc.

• VINCI Concessions Canada Inc., Montreal, Quebec
• BPC Maritime Corporation, Toronto, Ontario
• Strait Crossing Inc., Calgary, Alberta
• Ballast Nedam Canada Limited, Edmonton, Alberta