Canada confirms opening of Gordie Howe Bridge, despite Trump’s threats

Trump had threatened to halt the opening of the cross-border bridge, which is jointly owned by Michigan and Canada.Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has confirmed that the Gordie Howe International Bridge — a new six-lane thoroughfare that will connect Detroit, Michigan, with Windsor, Ontario — will open by the end of the week.The announcement comes despite threats to the contrary from United States President Donald Trump, who promised earlier this year that the bridge would not open without concessions from Canada.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3Canada sidelined in USMCA renegotiations amid growing trade riftslist 2 of 3Could Alberta trigger Canada’s Brexit moment?list 3 of 3Canada seeks USMCA renewal for 16 years, sector tariff discussionsend of listSpeaking briefly to reporters on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Carney dodged questions about any behind-the-scenes negotiations with Trump. Instead, he focused on praising the bridge as a feat of cross-border collaboration.“It’s positive news. Obviously, the bridge will be open at the end of the week,” Carney said, calling the bridge a “symbol but also a fact of cooperation between” the US and Canada.“It’s great for Canadians going across the border, Americans coming across the border, and for commerce. And I just want to salute those who constructed it on both sides, and looking forward to getting it done.”But the bridge’s fate was thrown into doubt in February, after Trump published a social media message framing the construction as a means of exploiting the US.His remarks echoed criticisms raised by the Moroun family, who own the nearby Ambassador Bridge, another artery connecting the US and Canada.The family has denounced the Gordie Howe Bridge as unfair competition, and it has sued to stop the project.It also led an advertising campaign during Trump’s first term to kill the bridge, framing the structure as un-American.The Gordie Howe Bridge will connect Windsor, Ontario and Detroit, Michigan [File: Paul Sancya/AP Photo]Unlike the Ambassador Bridge, which is privately held, the Gordie Howe Bridge is slated to be co-owned by the governments of Canada and Michigan.