For decades, the most important bridge connecting Canada to the U.S. has been privately owned – by the Moroun family of Detroit, who acquired it in 1979.
As trade volume between the auto industries of Windsor and Detroit has grown – with approximately 8,000 trucks crossing daily – Canada felt increasingly reliant on a single private entity. The Ambassador Bridge currently handles about a quarter of annual U.S.-Canada trade. Now, after years of diplomatic effort, Canada is unveiling the Gordie Howe International Bridge, a fully Canadian-funded project.
A Shift in Dynamics
The new bridge represents a significant investment in the automotive sector and continued commitment to free trade with the U.S. However, its opening arrives during a period of strained relations, marked by U.S. tariffs and accusations of Canada being a “free rider.” As a result, the Gordie Howe bridge is no longer simply a symbol of integration, but rather a demonstration of Canada’s resolve to assert its economic and geopolitical independence.
“This is a triumph of common sense,” stated Roy Norton, a former Canadian consul general in Detroit, who spent years lobbying for the project’s acceptance in Michigan.
A Critical Infrastructure Project
The Gordie Howe International Bridge spans 1.5 miles across the Detroit River, connecting the heart of the North American automotive industry, established in Detroit in 1903 with the founding of the Ford Motor Co. Its main span is the longest of any cable-stayed bridge in North America, and is designed to resemble the hockey sticks used by the bridge’s namesake, Gordie Howe, a celebrated Canadian hockey player.
Since the signing of the North American Free Trade Agreement in 1995, auto trade between the U.S. and Canada has risen from $32 billion to nearly $51 billion in 2023. Former Michigan Governor Rick Snyder emphasized that the bridge was “such a good deal for the state of Michigan, people couldn’t believe it was true,” and represented Canada’s faith in the bilateral relationship.
A Symbol of Resilience
Canada’s decision to fully fund the bridge, agreeing to share toll revenue with Michigan, came after facing resistance from the Moroun family. The issue even became fodder for late-night comedy, with Mr. Norton appearing on The Daily Show during his efforts to gain support for the project.
The bridge’s construction has resonated with communities on both sides of the border. In 2024, a symbolic handshake between a Canadian and an American steelworker marked the completion of the bridge deck. However, the current political climate, including recent tariff threats from President Trump – including 25% tariffs on Canadian automotive products, 50% on aircraft, and even a proposed 100% tariff on all Canadian goods – casts a shadow over what should be a celebratory moment.
Despite these challenges, the bridge offers a tangible connection between Windsor and Detroit, where approximately 5,000 Canadians commute daily. Ryan Donally, head of the Windsor Essex Chamber of Commerce, believes the bridge is a “long-lasting, relationship-building piece of infrastructure.”
Anneke Smit, who directs the Centre for Cities at the University of Windsor, notes a growing “elbows up” mentality in Canada, with increased boycotts of American goods and a decline in cross-border travel. However, she also acknowledges the symbolism of the bridge opening during a period of fractured ties.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted Canada to build its own bridge?
Canada felt vulnerable relying on a privately-owned bridge – the Ambassador Bridge – controlled by a single family. After 9/11, when U.S. authorities immediately shut the border, Canada began actively pursuing a publicly-funded alternative.
How much trade crosses the Ambassador Bridge?
Approximately a quarter of annual U.S.-Canada trade crosses the Ambassador Bridge, making it a critical link in the North American supply chain.
What is the significance of the bridge’s design?
The Gordie Howe International Bridge is designed to resemble the hockey sticks wielded by Gordie Howe, a beloved Canadian hockey player who led the Detroit Red Wings to four Stanley Cup titles, symbolizing the shared cultural connection between the two countries.
As the Gordie Howe International Bridge prepares to open, what role will infrastructure play in shaping the future of the U.S.-Canada relationship?
