Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre is demanding that the full details of a deal with the United States to open the Gordie Howe International Bridge be released so “Canadians can see for themselves” what was negotiated away. The federal Conservative leader made the demand in a letter issued Friday to Prime Minister Mark Carney, as the new bridge linking Windsor and Detroit is set to open in 10 days – on July 27 – after a weeks-long delay.

The delayed opening was confirmed a week ago by officials including U.S. President Donald Trump, who said he had negotiated a “much better deal” for his country. The bridge, named after the iconic Canadian hockey player, represents a major infrastructure project that has been in planning for over two decades. It is intended to ease congestion at the busiest Canada-U.S. border crossing, which currently relies on the privately owned Ambassador Bridge and the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel.

Background of the Gordie Howe International Bridge

The Gordie Howe International Bridge was first proposed in the early 2000s to address traffic bottlenecks and security concerns at the Windsor-Detroit corridor, which handles about 25% of all trade between Canada and the United States. Construction began in 2018 under the Liberal government of Justin Trudeau, with a budget of $6.4 billion – entirely funded by Canada. The original agreement stipulated that Canada would collect 100% of tolls until the construction costs were repaid, after which Michigan would receive half of the profits.

The bridge is a cable-stayed design featuring two towers and a main span of 853 metres, making it one of the longest of its kind in North America. It includes a custom plaza in Windsor and Michigan, and a direct connection to Interstate 75. The project was initially scheduled for completion in 2024, but pandemic-related delays and design changes pushed it back. The opening date was later set for June 2026, after negotiations over toll governance and a regional economic development fund.

Poilievre's accusations and the missing details

In his letter, Poilievre stated: “Canada paid for 100% of the cost of building the Gordie Howe International Bridge under the simple promise that we would collect 100% of the tolls until the cost was repaid. Last week, you announced an agreement giving Americans a cut of profits sooner. Since then, Canadians have been left in the dark about how much you conceded with your government hiding the agreement from the public.”

Poilievre pointed to what he described as contradictory statements by Carney. The prime minister initially said the agreement does not split tolls, but later acknowledged a 15-year deal to split net revenues. “First, you said, ‘It’s not splitting the tolls of the bridge,’” Poilievre wrote. “Then you continued, ‘It is an agreement for 15 years to split net revenues.’ But you just said you would not be splitting the tolls, so which is it? Are the Americans getting a cut or not?”

Sources told the CBC that under the new arrangement, Canada would receive 50% of toll profits for the first 15 years, with the other half going toward a regional economic development fund – which Carney had earlier suggested would be earmarked for the United States. This would reverse the original timeline that deferred Michigan’s share until after Canada recouped its $6.4-billion investment, a process expected to take decades.

Political and trade implications

The dispute has become a flashpoint in the ongoing federal election campaign, with Conservatives using it to question Liberal transparency and fiscal stewardship. Poilievre has accused the Liberals of weakening Canada’s negotiating position at a time when cross-border trade tensions are high under the Trump administration. The U.S. president has previously threatened to block the bridge’s opening altogether, and the Ambassador Bridge’s American owner, Manuel Moroun, has lobbied against the new crossing, which will compete with his privately held span.

The Ambassador Bridge, built in 1929, is the oldest and busiest commercial border crossing between Canada and the U.S., handling about 8,000 trucks daily. Its private ownership has long been a source of frustration for Canadian officials, who view the Gordie Howe bridge as a necessary public-sector alternative to ensure reliable trade. The new bridge is designed to have more capacity and modern security features, including customs pre-clearance facilities integrated into the design.

Market analysts note that toll revenue from the bridge could be substantial, with initial estimates suggesting $100 million to $200 million per year. If Canada gives up a portion of those revenues earlier than anticipated, it could extend the payback period and cost taxpayers additional interest on the borrowed funds. The federal government has not yet disclosed the full financial terms of the agreement, fueling criticism from the opposition and some industry experts.

In a recent interview with CTV, Carney downplayed suggestions that major concessions were made. “We are sharing after Canada is paid back,” he said, adding that the government will collect toll revenue to service the debt and recover construction costs before sharing any remaining profits with Michigan. However, the letter from Poilievre notes that the original agreement already called for an even split of profits after repayment – so the new deal appears to accelerate Michigan’s share.

Windsor mayor speculates on Ambassador Bridge sale

The Windsor mayor has also speculated that the Ambassador Bridge could be sold after the Gordie Howe bridge opens, as reduced traffic volumes might make the older crossing less profitable. This could lead to further consolidation in the cross-border transportation sector. Meanwhile, the regional economic development fund mentioned in the deal could finance projects on both sides of the border, possibly including improvements to local roads, bridges, and rail connections.

Environmental assessments for the Gordie Howe bridge included extensive public consultations and mitigation measures for air quality, noise, and wildlife habitats. The project also generated thousands of construction jobs in a region hit hard by the decline of the auto industry. Trade unions have endorsed the project as a necessary infrastructure investment that will support long-term economic growth.

The controversy over the deal's details highlights broader concerns about the transparency of international agreements involving major public expenditures. Poilievre’s call for the release of the full agreement echoes similar demands from business groups and trade experts who want to ensure that Canadian interests are protected. As the July 27 opening approaches, pressure is mounting on the Liberal government to disclose the terms that were negotiated.

In his letter, Poilievre concluded by demanding that Carney “release the full agreement so Canadians can see for themselves what you negotiated away to the Americans.” The Conservative leader has also promised that if his party wins the upcoming election, he would review the deal and potentially renegotiate terms to ensure Canada collects all tolls until the construction costs are fully recovered.

The outcome of this dispute could have lasting effects on Canada-U.S. trade relations, as well as on the political fortunes of both leaders. For now, the bridge remains on track to open July 27, but without full disclosure, trust in the government’s handling of major infrastructure projects is eroding.

Source: MSN News