Prime Minister Carney says he wasn't clear enough explaining Gordie Howe bridge toll deal
The text of the cross-border agreement shows Canada will split toll revenue with the U.S. for the first 15 years of operation, contradicting Carney's earlier statements.
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Prime Minister Mark Carney acknowledged this week he could have explained the toll arrangements for the Gordie Howe International Bridge more clearly.
The bridge, set to open between Ontario and Michigan next week, will see Canada split half of its net toll revenues with the U.S. for the first 15 years of operation, according to the agreement text released this week. Carney had previously said tolls would not be split with the U.S. until after Canada's construction debt was paid back—a process that would take decades.
Speaking in Charlottetown, Carney clarified he was referring to an original agreement with Michigan that remains in place and will govern toll splits after Canada recoups its initial costs. But he acknowledged the distinction wasn't as clear as it could have been when he discussed the deal in recent weeks.
Conservatives have accused the prime minister of caving to U.S. pressure to get the bridge open and of misleading Canadians about the toll-sharing arrangement. The bridge project represents a major cross-border infrastructure milestone for the region.
By the numbers
When is the Gordie Howe International Bridge set to open?
The Gordie Howe International Bridge between Ontario and Michigan is set to open the week of July 28, 2026.
How long will Canada split toll revenue with the U.S. on the Gordie Howe bridge?
Canada will split half of its net toll revenues with the U.S. for the first 15 years of operation of the Gordie Howe International Bridge.
