U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to block the opening of the new $4.7 million Gordie Howe International Bridge that connects Detroit and Windsor, Ontario. This threat was a part of his latest barrage against Canada over trade issues.
Trump claimed issues with Canada’s ownership of the bridge, their refusal to stock U.S. alcoholic beverages in Canadian stores, the tariffs imposed on dairy products from the U.S. and the recent trade talks with China.
The bridge was financed by Canada because the U.S. refused to pay for it and is set to open in the coming months. The costs will be financed by tolls over 30 years.
“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 said on social media. “We will start negotiations, IMMEDIATELY. With all that we have given them, we should own, perhaps, at least one-half of this asset.”
Bridge To Open Regardless Of Ownership
Trump has made several threats against Canada since the start of his term, including drastically hiking tariffs—only last month, stating that if Canada followed through on deals made with China, the U.S. would impose a 100% tariff.
The offer from Canada to fund most of the new Gordie Howe bridge’s costs was accepted in 2012 by former Michigan Governor Rick Snyder. He used executive authority to bypass the legislature, and the bridge began construction in 2018.
Further, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security published a rule declaring the bridge as the official entry point and claimed that it would save $12.7 million annually for travellers by reducing congestion and easing traffic flow.
“Canada financed the construction of the bridge, which was built by union construction workers from both sides of the border – and it will be operated under a joint ownership agreement between Michigan and Canada … It’s going to open one way or another,” said a spokesperson for Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
(With inputs from the Reuters)
