The Confederation Bridge links Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick and I understand that it's naming was met with some controversy. What were the factors leading to the establishment of the bridge and, more specifically, to the controversial choice of "Confederation Bridge" over the "Fixed Link"?
I understand that it's naming was met with some controversy
I'm not so sure about that. There was plenty of controversy about the bridge itself, but the name? Sure, there were many different possible names suggested (e.g. both "The Fixed Link" and "The Northumberland Strait Crossing" were used as working titles during the tenure and development phases) by both the government and the public throughout the project, but as far as I know there wasn't any particularly significant outrage or decrying of any particular suggestions.
As for how the name was chosen, the Ministry of Public Works held a public contest. According to this CBC archive article:
The bridge was named in a "Name the Fixed Link Fun-fest." There were 136 entries. Prince Edward Islanders Zeno and Marie O'Brien suggested the name Confederation, and won an umbrella for their efforts.