US-Canada tensions rise over Gordie Howe International Bridge

Canadian officials have pushed back against US President Donald Trump’s recent claims about the Gordie Howe International Bridge, affirming its binational ownership and economic importance.

Prime Minister Mark Carney said he told Trump that the federal government spent roughly $4 billion to build the bridge, which employed both Canadian and US workers and incorporated steel from both countries. This contradicted Trump’s assertion that there was “virtually no US content” used in the project.

While Trump claimed the federal government owns “both the Canada and the United States side,” the bridge is publicly owned jointly by Canada and Michigan under the Canada-Michigan Crossing Agreement signed in 2012. Canada initially financed the construction, but the agreement guarantees binational ownership. The Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority, a Canadian Crown corporation, will operate the bridge, with oversight from an International Authority composed of representatives from both Canada and Michigan.

“This is a great example of co-operation between our countries. I look forward to its opening,” Carney said. “What is particularly important, of course, is the commerce and the tourism and the voyages of Canadians and Americans that will go across that bridge.”

Ontario Premier Doug Ford echoed this confidence: “Make no mistake about it, as sure as I’m talking to you, I’m very confident the bridge is going to open… It’s going to open because it’s in the best interest of the American economy.”

The bridge has already supported thousands of jobs in Michigan, with more than 8,800 US laborers contributing to its 2.5-kilometre span, which will connect Highway 401 in Canada to Interstate 75 in the United States, bypassing congested crossings.

Trump’s threat followed a meeting between US officials and Matthew Moroun, owner of the privately held Ambassador Bridge, which competes with the new crossing. Rick Snyder, former Michigan governor, called Canada’s financing “a great deal” and noted that any delay benefits the Moroun family.

Carney also raised the bridge during discussions on the Canada-US-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). Trump’s trade representative, Jamieson Greer, said the US expects a share of toll revenues and emphasized protecting American economic and national security interests.

Despite tensions, Carney noted the call was “positive,” and lightened the mood with a sports prediction: Canada’s women’s hockey team will defeat the US in their Olympic matchup.

By Vafa Guliyeva