The opposition leader, Pierre Poilievre, is calling for the release of the full details of the deal with the U.S. to open the Gordie Howe International Bridge. He claims that Canadians should be able to see for themselves what has been negotiated away.
The federal Conservative leader made the demand in a letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney, citing the delayed opening of the bridge, which is set to link Windsor and Detroit in 10 days.
Poilievre claims that Canada paid for 100% of the cost of building the bridge, with the expectation that toll revenue would be collected to repay the debt. However, an agreement was recently made giving Americans a cut of profits sooner, leaving Canadians in the dark about the terms of the deal.
The construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge began in 2018, with the $6.4-billion cost borne by the federal government. The bridge is co-owned by Michigan, and the expectation was that expenses would be repaid through bridge tolls.
Earlier this month, officials from both sides agreed to the July 27 opening, despite earlier threats from the U.S. to block its opening. However, there have been ongoing discussions about toll governance and the creation of a regional economic development fund.
Poilievre's letter also takes aim at what he calls contradictory statements made by Carney about the deal. He claims that Carney has made conflicting statements about whether the Americans are getting a cut of the tolls.
The opposition leader is calling for the release of the deal so Canadians can see for themselves what has been negotiated away. He claims that it has been a week since the agreement was made, and it is time for Carney to release the details.
