Canada-US Bridge, Once Threatened by Trump, to Open This Week, Says Canadian PM

(CNA, Montreal, June 9, Comprehensive Foreign Report) Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated today that the Gordie Howe International Bridge connecting Canada and the United States will officially open this week. US President Donald Trump had threatened in February of this year to block the opening unless the United States received reasonable compensation.

According to an AFP report, the Gordie Howe International Bridge, named after the late Canadian-born National Hockey League (NHL) legend, began construction in 2018 and was expected to open later this year.

The bridge cost up to US$4.7 billion (approximately NT$148.6 billion) and connects Ontario, Canada, with Michigan, USA.

However, in February, Trump insisted that the United States should own "at least half" of the bridge. He stated at the time that he would not allow the bridge to open until the US was reasonably compensated, and accused Canada of using "almost" no American products in the construction process.

Nevertheless, according to a statement released by the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority, the bridge was fully funded and built by Canada. Upon completion, it will be co-owned by the Canadian federal government and the state of Michigan.

Carney told reporters in the capital, Ottawa, today that the Gordie Howe International Bridge is expected to open "this weekend," calling it "good news" and not just a "symbol of cooperation between the two countries, but a concrete fact." (Translation: Chang Ming-hsuan) 1150610