Canada agrees to share bridge tolls with U.S. amid Trump pressure
Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Canada agreed to split toll revenues with the U.S. for the new $4.5 billion bridge after President Trump threatened to block its opening.
- The agreement delays the bridge's opening and gives the U.S. government control over an economic development fund receiving half the tolls for 15 years.
- The dispute highlights broader trade tensions and has led to criticism of Canadian Prime Minister Carney's negotiating approach.
Canada has agreed to share toll revenues with the United States for the new $4.5 billion bridge connecting Windsor and Detroit, a concession made after President Trump threatened to block its opening. The deal, which delays the bridge's launch, will see Canada split half the toll revenues for the next 15 years with an economic development fund controlled by the U.S. government.
This agreement comes amid broader trade disputes between the two nations. Critics in Canada accuse Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government of negotiating from a position of weakness. "We're dealing with an administration like we've never seen before," said Colin Robertson, a former Canadian diplomat. "They renege on deals. They don't follow agreements. It's like dealing with pirates."
We're dealing with an administration like we've never seen before. They renege on deals. They don't follow agreements. It's like dealing with pirates.
The bridge project itself has faced opposition from the Moroun family, owners of the neighboring Ambassador Bridge, North America's busiest commercial crossing. The new bridge is seen as vital infrastructure to ease a trade bottleneck, with over C$1 billion ($710 million) in goods passing through the Windsor-Detroit crossing daily. However, the dispute over its opening and revenue sharing has become a symbol of strained U.S.-Canada relations.
Canadians are sick and tired of being made into a punching bag by President Trump and have the self-respect to fight for their existence and their country. They deserve a government that is willing to do the same thing.
Originally published by BBC News in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.