The White House points to ‘unfair trade practices’ when asked about the opening of the Gordie Howe Bridge
Listen to this article
Average 6 minutes
The audio version of this article was created by AI-based technology. It can be mispronounced. We are working with our partners to continuously review and improve the results.
For months, Canadian officials have been holding off on the long-awaited opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge connecting Detroit and Windsor, Ont.
But new comments from a Canadian cabinet member and two top U.S. officials suggest there is a connection between the current trade war and the timeline for opening the new border.
A White House official on Friday said the Trump administration “we continue to engage with all of our partners to address long-standing unfair trade practices.”
That statement came in response to questions from CBC News about what needs to happen before the bridge opens, when, and whether it’s connected to broader Canada-US trade talks.
Earlier this year, President Donald Trump unleashed a storm across the border when he threatened to block the opening of the bridge unless Canada – which has paid for the project in full – offers various concessions.
Since then, Canadian officials have repeatedly said the bridge will open sometime this spring, and have said the exact opening date depends on “testing and commissioning.”
But on Thursday, a member of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s cabinet suggested a link between the opening and broader border talks, although his office later sought to clarify his comments.
‘Complex conversations going on’: Solomon
Evan Solomon, minister of the AI movement too who is in charge of the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, was in Windsor to announce funding for companies affected by the tariffs when he was asked when the bridge would be opened.
“We appreciate that there are ongoing discussions between the United States and Canada,” he replied, adding that other senior officials, such as Canada-US trade minister Dominic LeBlanc, Canada’s Ambassador to the US Mark Wiseman, and Chief Trade Negotiator Janice Charette “are all deeply involved every day with the United States on all trade-related issues, [section] 232s, tolls, and the opening of the Gordie Howe Bridge.
“There are many conversations,” he continued. “When I was in Germany at the Munich Security Conference, I raised it with the governor of Michigan when I pulled aside with Governor Whitmer. So we’re all caught up to make sure that we can make sure that this is open and obviously there are complex discussions going on.”
In response to a follow-up question about whether Trump’s threat is delaying the opening of the span, Solomon said: “Look, it’s part of ongoing discussions, and I’ll emphasize again, we have a productive dialogue with the United States. But there are many factors. The bridge is one factor. Trade. There are many industries that have an impact. […] But we are caught up in making sure we get a very good deal with the United States, and that will include, we hope, a bridge. “
Afterward, Solomon’s office sought to clarify his comments, saying he was “talking broadly about Canada-US relations,” and that “the exact opening date depends on the completion of the ongoing quality review and inspection and approval activities.”
On Friday, Solomon joined the CBCs Afternoon Drive and was asked about seemingly different statements.
“The bridge is one thing, we are looking at the review of the bridge, there is an ongoing program there,” he said. “The bridge that we hope will open in the spring. As I said, that is one thing. That is one aspect of our relationship with the United States and we have a process for it, and we are very hopeful and we hope that it will open in the spring,” said Solomon.
“Let me be clear: There is another part of the big negotiations that we are doing about 232 tariffs and trade relations,” he added. “They are not tied together.”
‘Negotiations continue’: Hoekstra
Meanwhile, the American Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra said in a statement on Friday that “[d]Gordie Howe Bridge negotiations continue.” CBC News asked his office similar questions about the opening of the bridge and whether it is related to broader trade talks.
Earlier this month, Hoekstra reportedly said that Trump himself should sign the opening. “There are a lot of problems right now between the US and Canada. One more bridge,” he told the Detroit News.
CBC News also reached out to Gov. Michigan’s Gretchen Whitmer and the rest of Michigan’s US congressional delegation are trying to get a better idea of where things stand across the border. Whitmer did not respond, while several lawmakers provided statements.
Democratic Rep. Debbie Dingell, who represents an area outside Detroit, “believes opening this bridge is a priority and is working daily with all parties involved,” her spokeswoman said in an email.
Sen. Gary Peters, the top Democrat on the Senate Homeland Security Committee, said in a statement that the new era “it will help increase capacity and create better economic opportunities for both countries,” and that look forward”to see the safe flow of traffic begin across the Gordie Howe Bridge as soon as possible.”
Democratic Rep. Haley Stevens, meanwhile, is targeting the president. “Donald Trump’s trade war is hurting Michigan, plain and simple,” he said in a statement. “His reckless spending and his decision to close this bridge to help his billionaire friends have already increased the cost to Michigan families and businesses.”
“President Trump and his Republican allies in Michigan must stop this threat, open the bridge, and stop playing with our economy,” he concluded.
