Text of Gordie Howe bridge deal raises questions about toll revenue split

Ottawa has released the text of a new agreement with the United States tied to the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge near Windsor, Ontario, after days of political debate over how bridge revenue will be shared. The document says Canada will split half of the bridge’s net revenue with a U.S. economic development fund for the first 15 years. It defines that revenue as all money collected from the bridge, minus operating costs. That language appears to differ from Prime Minister Mark Carney’s earlier description that only net profits would be shared after Canada’s debt had been repaid. The agreement does not define operating costs and does not mention Canada’s debt. That has fueled criticism from opposition politicians, who say the wording leaves room for different interpretations of when Canada’s share would be paid. The bridge, which connects Windsor and Detroit, was funded by Canada and was originally expected to share toll revenue with Michigan only after construction costs were recovered. The latest agreement comes after months of delay and pressure from the Trump administration, which had raised concerns about the opening and trade terms around the project. Canadian officials say the original bridge deal remains in place, while the new text says both sides will finalize the legal and financial arrangements needed to implement the agreement.