Prime Minister Mark Carney shared that he had a conversation with his U. S. counterpart early Tuesday morning regarding the Gordie Howe International Bridge, which Donald Trump has threatened to halt. He explained that Canadians funded the entire bridge and that the Americans already have an ownership stake in it.
Carney mentioned he informed Trump that the federal government invested about $4 billion to construct the Windsor-Detroit bridge, built with both Canadian and U. S. labor and materials, despite Trump’s unfounded claims of “virtually no U. S. content” used during its construction.
While Trump asserted that the federal government owns “both the Canada and the United States side,” in reality, the bridge is publicly owned by both Canada and Michigan.
The Canada-Michigan Crossing Agreement, established between these two regions in 2012, ensures its joint binational ownership even though Canada covered all initial costs related to construction.
The Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority, which will manage operations for the bridge, is a Canadian Crown corporation. The International Authority consists of equal representation from Canada and Michigan overseeing the bridge’s affairs.
“This is a great example of co-operation between our countries. I look forward to its opening,” Carney told reporters on Parliament Hill on Tuesday morning.
“What is particularly important, of course, is the commerce and tourism as well as the travels of Canadians and Americans that will happen across that bridge.”
WATCH | Trump says U. S. should own ‘at least one half’ of Gordie Howe Bridge:
Trump says U. S. should own ‘at least one half’ of Gordie Howe bridge
U. S. President Donald Trump is threatening to block the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge connecting Windsor, Ont., with Detroit. CBC’s Pratyush Dayal reports.
Carney stated that U. S. ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra would “play a role in smoothing out discussions concerning the bridge.”
“It was a positive conversation,” Carney noted, adding he told Trump that Canada’s women’s hockey team will defeat America in their Olympic game today. “It’s a big game today and we’re going to win.”
Ontario Premier Doug Ford appeared unbothered by Trump’s recent criticisms towards Canada.
“Make no mistake about it; as sure as I’m talking to you, I’m very confident the bridge will open,” Ford told reporters on Tuesday.
“It’s going to open because it’s in America’s best interest,” he remarked while referencing Michigan politicians who have criticized Trump’s comments yet continue supporting the project.
“If President Trump didn’t want it moving forward, why did he expedite it? Suddenly he’s changed his mind; that’s not good,” Ford said.
Before Trump’s threats regarding blocking the bridge on Monday, he had previously made favorable remarks about this new connection. “We look forward to completing the Gordie Howe International Bridge quickly; it will be an essential economic link between our two nations,” Trump stated alongside former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau back in 2017.
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A photo of hockey great Gordie Howe is shown on the waterfront in Windsor, Ont., at May 2015 announcement that Detroit River International Crossing will be named after him as Gordie Howe International Bridge. (Dave Chidley/The Canadian Press)
Carney mentioned he also talked about issues related to CUSMA (Canada-U. S.-Mexico Agreement) with Trump during their call.
In an interview with Fox Business, Jamieson Greer-Trump’s trade representative focused on CUSMA-indicated there would be “a negotiation specific to this bridge.” He hinted at American interest in receiving part of any toll revenue collected by Canada.
Canada plans on collecting those tolls to recover costs for building this bridge which aims at benefiting businesses and workers from both sides without any financial support from America.
Greer asserted that since “the United States represents major economy” compared to Canada’s size they deserve compensation for allowing goods sold within their territory.
“The United States needs its fair share from proceeds generated through this crossing along with associated economic activity,” said Greer.![]()
Carney appears after delivering remarks at still-under-construction Gordie Howe International Bridge located within Windsor Ontario dated Feb 5th ,2025.(Carlos Osorio/Reuters)
Greer further discussed Ambassador Bridge-a neighboring crossing privately held by Moroun family (major Republican donors), who spent years opposing development plans for competing structure constructed nearby.
He noted how “the U. S has more influence” over Ambassador Bridge enabling Moroun family rise into billionaires’ ranks saying “we just want ensure our national security remains intact.”Certainly indicating early CUSMA negotiations weren’t progressing smoothly either – revealing “Mexicans appear pragmatic right now.. but Canadians are presenting more hurdles,” claimed Greer during discussion broadcasted via Fox Business platform.Beforen Christmas’ time frame , Greer revealed expectations set forth concerning what actions necessary from Canadians ensuring timely approval through ongoing review process throughout current year included expanding access granted toward American farmers within dairy market combined ending provincial liquor boycott enacted against US imports.nn
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Trump says U. S. should own ‘at least one half’ of Gordie Howe bridge
U. S. President Donald Trump is threatening to block the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge connecting Windsor, Ont., with Detroit. CBC’s Pratyush Dayal reports.
Carney stated that U. S. ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra would “play a role in smoothing out discussions concerning the bridge.”
“It was a positive conversation,” Carney noted, adding he told Trump that Canada’s women’s hockey team will defeat America in their Olympic game today. “It’s a big game today and we’re going to win.”
Ontario Premier Doug Ford appeared unbothered by Trump’s recent criticisms towards Canada.
“Make no mistake about it; as sure as I’m talking to you, I’m very confident the bridge will open,” Ford told reporters on Tuesday.
“It’s going to open because it’s in America’s best interest,” he remarked while referencing Michigan politicians who have criticized Trump’s comments yet continue supporting the project.
“If President Trump didn’t want it moving forward, why did he expedite it? Suddenly he’s changed his mind; that’s not good,” Ford said.
Before Trump’s threats regarding blocking the bridge on Monday, he had previously made favorable remarks about this new connection. “We look forward to completing the Gordie Howe International Bridge quickly; it will be an essential economic link between our two nations,” Trump stated alongside former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau back in 2017.
In an interview with Fox Business, Jamieson Greer-Trump’s trade representative focused on CUSMA-indicated there would be “a negotiation specific to this bridge.” He hinted at American interest in receiving part of any toll revenue collected by Canada.
Canada plans on collecting those tolls to recover costs for building this bridge which aims at benefiting businesses and workers from both sides without any financial support from America.
Greer asserted that since “the United States represents major economy” compared to Canada’s size they deserve compensation for allowing goods sold within their territory.
“The United States needs its fair share from proceeds generated through this crossing along with associated economic activity,” said Greer.
He noted how “the U. S has more influence” over Ambassador Bridge enabling Moroun family rise into billionaires’ ranks saying “we just want ensure our national security remains intact.”Certainly indicating early CUSMA negotiations weren’t progressing smoothly either – revealing “Mexicans appear pragmatic right now.. but Canadians are presenting more hurdles,” claimed Greer during discussion broadcasted via Fox Business platform.Beforen Christmas’ time frame , Greer revealed expectations set forth concerning what actions necessary from Canadians ensuring timely approval through ongoing review process throughout current year included expanding access granted toward American farmers within dairy market combined ending provincial liquor boycott enacted against US imports.nn
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