- The bridge was originally slated to open June 12 but was delayed by the U.S. administration demanding concessions, despite Canada having paid $6.4-billion to build it.
- The side deal was announced on July 10 with scant details; the full agreement was released late Tuesday after pressure from Conservatives.
- Prime Minister Mark Carney told CTV News on July 12 that Canada would first service bridge debt before splitting revenues, but the agreement contains no such clause, contradicting his description.
- Conservative MP Shuvaloy Majumdar called it a “capitulation” and alleged Carney misled Canadians. NDP MP Heather McPherson demanded transparency.
- Ottawa partly ceded tolling control to the Trump administration and agreed to pay revenues to a U.S.-controlled economic development fund.
The Gordie Howe bridge deal has sparked controversy as it appears to contradict Prime Minister Mark Carney's previous statements regarding toll revenue control. The agreement grants the U.S. veto power over toll increases, raising concerns about transparency and fairness.567
According to the agreement released late Tuesday, Canada will share net revenues from the bridge with the U.S. for the first 15 years of operation. Specifically, Canada must seek U.S. consent for toll increases exceeding 10% that would surpass regional averages. This stipulation contradicts Carney's earlier assertion that Canada would first cover debt servicing costs before splitting revenues.
Critics, including Conservative MP Shuvaloy Majumdar, have labeled the deal a capitulation, stating it misleads Canadians about the true nature of the agreement. NDP MP Heather McPherson echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for transparency in projects funded by public money.
The bridge, which cost Canada $6.4 billion to construct, faced delays due to U.S. demands for control. Initially slated to open by June 12, the project was stalled as the Trump administration sought concessions from Ottawa. The deal's implications raise questions about the future of Canadian infrastructure projects and the balance of power in cross-border agreements.12111213
“The agreement requires Canada to pay toll revenues to a U.S.-controlled economic development fund, with no clause allowing debt servicing first. Conservative MP Shuvaloy Majumdar called it a 'capitulation' and alleged Carney misled Canadians, while NDP MP Heather McPherson demanded transparency.”
The Globe and Mail
