‘More predictable crossing times will help businesses lower transportation costs, reduce scheduling buffers and build more resilient supply chains’
The Gordie Howe International Bridge opened to motorists today, giving HR professionals in manufacturing, logistics and other trade-exposed sectors a long-awaited second dedicated crossing between Windsor, Ont., and Detroit.
That comes after a diplomatic dispute over the $6.4-billion project's financing threatened to delay its debut.
Dennis Darby, President and CEO of Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters, said the Windsor-Detroit corridor "handles roughly one-quarter of all Canada–U.S. trade by truck and supports deeply integrated manufacturing supply chains, particularly in the automotive sector." He said the bridge's direct Highway 401-to-I-75 connection and modern border-processing technology should reduce congestion for shippers.
Darby said the change should help employers manage workforce and operational planning. "More predictable crossing times will help businesses lower transportation costs, reduce scheduling buffers and build more resilient supply chains," he said in a statement sent to HRD. He cautioned, however, that continued tariffs and trade uncertainty could limit how quickly the investment translates into business investment and job growth.
Job numbers tied to cross-border trade
Alex Greco, Senior Director of Manufacturing and Value Chains at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, told HRD that "additional crossing capacity will help reduce congestion and improve the flow of trade" along a corridor his organization has identified as among the most trade-exposed in both countries.
According to the Chamber's Canada-U.S. Trade Tracker, roughly $3.5 billion in goods and services crosses the Canada-U.S. border daily, and 2.6 million Canadian jobs are supported by exports to the United States.
"Canada's businesses are eager to see the new investment, job creation and business-to-business opportunities this new crossing will help generate," Greco said.
Labour congress warns of costs to workers
Meanwhile, Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress, said Canada's revenue-sharing concessions could come at workers' expense.
"Canadian workers should not be paying the price for Donald Trump's demands," Bruske said. "Every dollar diverted away from Canada is a dollar that can't be invested in creating good jobs, strengthening public services, or growing our economy."
Bruske called on employers to join workers in pressing Ottawa on the issue. "Workers and employers have a shared interest in defending Canada's economy," she said. "Employers should stand alongside workers in calling on the federal government to defend fair agreements, resist economic bullying, and invest in the people and public services that make Canada's economy stronger."
Dispute over compensation preceded opening
The bridge's opening follows months of controversy after United States President Donald Trump said in a February social media post that the U.S. would need to be compensated before he would allow the crossing to open, falsely claiming it was built with virtually no American content, the Canadian Press noted.
Canada subsequently agreed to adjustments concerning the sharing of revenues from the bridge, according to the Canadian Press.
More than 70% of Canada's exports go to the United States, and for nearly a century the privately-owned Ambassador Bridge has been the only route for large commercial trucks crossing at Detroit; construction on the Gordie Howe bridge began in 2018 and was delayed in part by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the report.
A joint Canada-U.S. celebration was cancelled last week after Washington threatened new tariffs on Canadian goods, which American officials linked to provincial bans on U.S. alcohol, Canada's supply-managed dairy system and quotas on American cars.
Canada held its own opening ceremony last week, attended by Ontario Premier Doug Ford, federal Infrastructure Minister Gregor Robertson, Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens and Canadian Ambassador to the United States Mark Wiseman; no American officials attended, according to CP.
The bridge opening comes after eight years of construction and a months-long diplomatic standoff.
