Carney says he should have been clearer on Gordie Howe bridge deal

Prime Minister Mark Carney says he could have explained the new agreement on the Gordie Howe International Bridge more clearly after the published text appeared to differ from his earlier remarks. Carney had initially suggested that toll revenue would only be shared with the United States after operating costs and debt repayment were covered. But the agreement, released later, does not mention Canada’s debt and says the revenue split begins under a separate arrangement tied to the bridge opening. The Prime Minister’s Office said the deal would cost Canada less than 5% of the bridge’s total project value, putting the maximum cost at about $320 million over 15 years. Carney said the bridge is still governed by the original CanadaMichigan agreement that covers repayment of construction costs. The issue has drawn criticism from Conservatives, who say the government was not transparent about the terms. The bridge, which connects Windsor, Ontario, and Detroit, is set to open Monday after months of delay linked to the new arrangement.