The decision to construct the Gordie Howe International Bridge exemplifies how two long-standing allies and trading partners can work together toward shared economic benefits that strengthen both nations.

As in any relationship, an agreeable path can take many directions. Both partners acknowledged the importance of a new bridge and its critical role in facilitating goods movement across one of the most vital corridors in the Canada-U.S. supply chain.

However, when the two sides could not agree on a plan for construction, Canada chose to take the lead by funding the project entirely and entering into a partnership with the state of Michigan. 

Regardless of this outcome, the Government of Canada continued to engage in good faith with political leaders in Washington and Michigan, focused solely on advancing the interests of both economies. This collaborative approach avoided public drama or tension, ensuring that Canada-U.S. trade remains efficient, safe, and secure for generations to come.

The Gordie Howe International Bridge is designed to enhance efficiency and provide redundancy in the movement of U.S. exports. Just-in-time shipments crossing this corridor are critical to the economy of more than half of U.S. states, supporting millions of hardworking Americans.

As the busiest Canada-U.S. commercial crossing, the Windsor-Detroit corridor will see its competitiveness on the global stage strengthened by the efficiency gained through the bridge’s opening.

Among its many features and benefits, the Gordie Howe International Bridge will incorporate state-of-the-art technology and enhanced security measures to help prevent illegal shipments of contraband, an area of mutual concern for both countries.

This will clearly increase the safety of Canadian and American citizens, while supporting our local economies, and strengthening businesses on both sides of our shared border.

The new bridge will also support hard-working fleets and drivers on both sides of the border by introducing competitive toll rates, more in line with other publicly owned commercial crossings between Ontario, Michigan, and New York State.

Beyond providing significant financial relief for Canadian and U.S. businesses, the bridge’s added capacity and redundancy will help reduce congestion caused by rising toll rates. Steep increases in tolls have previously forced many truck operators to shift their cross-border operations to the Blue Water Bridge to offset costs during a period when businesses can least afford them.

During these challenging times for the industry and its customers, the Canadian Trucking Alliance and the Ontario Trucking Association remain steadfast in supporting the Prime Minister and the Premier of Ontario in their ongoing efforts to secure the economic future of Ontarians and all Canadians.

Undoubtedly, public infrastructure projects of such critical economic importance should be a focus of bilateral discussions with our U.S. partners, but now is not the time for politics to override sound decision-making that benefits both nations.

The Gordie Howe Bridge is a generational project with immense value for both nations. By working together, we can ensure it opens swiftly and serves its purpose as a shared macro-economic asset. Let us focus on collaboration and solutions, by building bridges – not barriers – to our mutual prosperity.