Bridge Deal Sparks Political Heat | Calgary News

The Gordie Howe International Bridge is set to open next week, but the deal to get it done sparked political drama. Prime Minister Mark Carney initially misled the public about toll revenue splits, admitting he could’ve explained it better—especially while wearing a cowboy hat at the Calgary Stampede. The new agreement, still a proposed deal, shifts Canada’s role: for 15 years, Canada will split half of net bridge revenue with a U.S.-controlled economic development fund, unlike the 2012 deal where Canada funded everything and collected tolls until costs were repaid. The Opposition blasted the secrecy and called it a major concession, while Ontario’s Doug Ford defended Carney, calling the bridge vital for trade. Carney noted the deal’s cost is less than 5% of the bridge’s total value, and the U.S. portion is meant to boost traffic. Despite the controversy, the bridge opens as scheduled—proof that political maneuvering can still get big projects done. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/a053be68103b0e21