Cross border bridge opens as US imposes tariff hikes on Canada

The six-lane Gordie Howe International Bridge that links a major land border

crossing between Canada and the US is in operation following yearslong

construction and questions surrounding profit sharing.

Connecting Windsor, Ontario, and Detroit, Michigan, the 2.4-kilometre

bridge offers a cheaper alternative to the privately owned Ambassador Bridge,

which had a monopoly on big trucks carrying goods worth billions between

the two countries, especially in service to the auto industry.

Though built and funded entirely by Canada at a cost of 6.4 billion Canadian dollars,

the Trump administration has managed to broker an arrangement that will see its

neighbour share some toll revenue with the US for 15 years.

Michigan Governor Rick Snyder in 2012 separately negotiated a

share for the state, but it won't be paid until Canada's costs are recovered,

likely decades from now.

What would have been a ceremonious moment for the two communities was

dampened last Friday when US President Donald Trump said American

representatives were uninvited from the ribbon-cutting ceremony in

Windsor after he suddenly announced 50% tariffs on Canadian goods entering America.