The Gordie Howe International Bridge, a C$6.4 billion ($4.5 billion) project linking Detroit and Windsor, opened on Friday with a ceremony attended only by Canadian officials. Canadian Infrastructure Minister Gregor Robertson stated that U.S. dignitaries were disinvited due to recent U.S. tariff actions. President Donald Trump addressed the decision on social media, stating it was acceptable given the tariffs being paid to the United States.
The project, which began construction eight years ago, was funded entirely by Canada to bypass previous U.S. political opposition. Under the original 2012 agreement, Canada and Michigan would share toll revenue only after Canada recouped its construction costs. However, following President Trump's request earlier this year for the U.S. to "share authority" and ownership, Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government agreed to a parallel deal. This new arrangement splits 50% of bridge revenues with a U.S. economic development fund for the next 15 years.
Supporters of the deal, including Ontario Premier Doug Ford, stated the agreement was necessary to ensure the opening of a vital trade corridor that handles over C$1 billion in daily commerce. Critics, including Conservative MP Shuvaloy Majumdar, characterized the revenue-sharing agreement as a concession made from a position of weakness. The bridge is intended to alleviate traffic at the Windsor-Detroit crossing, which is currently anchored by the privately owned Ambassador Bridge.