Canadian political and business leaders have pushed back strongly against former U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to delay the opening of the nearly completed Gordie Howe International Bridge, warning that such a move could disrupt vital trade between the two countries.
The bridge, which links Windsor, Ontario, to Detroit, Michigan, is expected to become the third major crossing along the Windsor–Detroit corridor, a route that handles about 25% of all Canada–U.S. trade and plays a critical role in the North American automotive supply chain.
Windsor Mayor Slams Threat as “Counterproductive”
Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens criticised Trump’s comments, saying they overlook the shared economic interests of both nations.
“It’s simply unbelievable,” Dilkens said, reacting to Trump’s remarks on social media. “This is yet another obstacle placed in the way of progress, not just for Canada, but for the United States as well.”
Trump had claimed that no American-made products were used in the construction of the bridge. Dilkens rejected that assertion, clarifying that U.S.-produced steel was used on the American side of the project.
Business Leaders Warn of Economic Fallout
Canada’s business community has also voiced concern. Candace Laing, President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, said blocking the bridge’s opening would be damaging rather than beneficial.
“Whether this is a serious proposal or simply a threat meant to keep uncertainty high, blocking bridges or trade corridors is counterproductive,” Laing said in a statement. “The path forward is not dismantling established trade routes, but strengthening them.”
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A Strategic Trade Corridor
The Gordie Howe International Bridge is primarily funded by the Canadian federal government, with an investment of 6.4 billion Canadian dollars (about 4.7 billion U.S. dollars). Ottawa plans to recover the cost through toll revenues, which will later be shared with the state of Michigan once the investment has been fully repaid.
Earlier in the day, Trump accused Canada of treating the United States “unfairly” in trade relations and argued that the U.S. should own at least half of the bridge. He warned that the opening could be blocked unless compensation demands were met.
The stance represents a sharp shift from Trump’s position during his first term in office, when he described the bridge in 2017 as a “vital economic link” between the two neighbouring countries.
