Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has demanded Prime Minister Mark Carney release the full details of the Gordie Howe International Bridge revenue-sharing agreement with the United States, accusing the government of concealing concessions made to Washington.
The Gordie Howe Bridge, a $6.4 billion project fully financed by Canada, was originally set to generate toll revenue exclusively for Ottawa until construction costs were repaid. However, Carney recently announced a revised deal allowing the US to receive a share of net revenues—after operational costs—over the first 15 years, sparking confusion over the terms.
Contradictory statements on toll revenue split
In a letter to Carney, Poilievre highlighted apparent inconsistencies in the prime minister’s explanations. Carney stated that toll-sharing would not begin until Canada’s debt was repaid, yet also confirmed a 15-year agreement to split net revenues. “What about the debt you said would be paid off first?” Poilievre asked, pressing for public disclosure of the deal.
At a press conference in London, Ont., Carney clarified that net revenues would be “modest” in the early years, emphasizing that sharing would only occur after Canada recouped its investment. He later told CTV that “there’s not going to be a lot of net to split” with the US, as net revenue accounts for operational expenses.
Conservative MPs join calls for clarity
Other Conservative politicians have echoed Poilievre’s concerns. MP Roman Baber questioned Carney’s use of financial terminology, noting the shift from tolls to earnings. Fellow MP Andrew Lawton criticized the government for describing the deal as “in principle” while failing to outline its core terms.
The bridge, confirmed to open on July 27 after delays and criticism from the Trump administration, remains at the center of a growing political dispute over transparency. Neither the Canadian nor US government has released the full agreement, leaving key details undisclosed.
