WINDSOR — Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced at a press conference on Parliament Hill in Ottawa that the Gordie Howe International Bridge will open by the end of the week. The bridge connects Detroit, Michigan, and Windsor, Ontario.
"It’s positive news. Obviously, the bridge will be open at the end of the week," Carney said. "It’s great for Canadians going across the border, Americans coming across the border, and for commerce." The bridge contains six vehicle lanes and will be co-owned by the governments of Canada and Michigan. The bridge project cost approximately $6.4 billion and is named after Canadian hockey player Gordie Howe. It is intended to facilitate cross-border trade, reduce traffic congestion, and improve supply chains.
The formal agreement to begin the project was signed in 2012, and construction started in 2018. Donald Trump and then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued a joint statement in 2017 supporting the bridge project. During his second term, Trump posted on social media in February, characterizing the bridge construction as an exploitation of the U.S. Trump said, "Imagine, Canada is building a massive bridge between Ontario and Michigan. They own both the Canada and the United States side." Trump also said, "I will not allow this bridge to open until the United States is fully compensated for everything we have given them, and also, importantly, Canada treats the United States with the Fairness and Respect that we deserve." Trump demanded at least half of the bridge asset for the U.S. government and posted on Truth Social on June 1, suggesting Canada become the 51st U.S. state.
The Moroun family, owners of the privately held Ambassador Bridge, filed a lawsuit attempting to halt the bridge's construction. This family also conducted an advertising campaign opposing the bridge during Trump's first presidential term. Trump imposed tariffs on Canadian goods shortly after beginning his second term, citing Canadian border policy as justification. Canada implemented retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods, a portion of which have since been repealed. U.S. courts have issued rulings challenging certain tariffs implemented by the Trump administration. The administration proposed using the Trade Act of 1974 to impose tariffs on 60 countries accused of utilizing forced labor, including Canada.
In 2024, Canada was the largest destination for U.S. exports, with U.S. government data estimating 2024 bilateral trade between Canada and the U.S. at approximately $909.1 billion. Approximately half of Canada's imports originate from the U.S. Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. are renegotiating a free trade agreement originally established in 2020. Carney has proposed forming a coalition of middle powers to address global power dynamics.
No independent assessment of Gordie Howe Bridge’s claims was available.