Text of new Gordie Howe bridge deal seems to contradict Carney
A newly released agreement for the Gordie Howe bridge suggests Canada will share net revenue with a U.S. economic fund before debt repayment, contradicting previous statements by Prime Minister Mark Carney. Opposition leaders are criticizing the government for the apparent discrepancy in the deal's terms.
Why it matters
The discrepancy raises questions about government transparency and the financial implications of a major cross-border infrastructure project.
The deal — posted online late Tuesday night and described as a "proposed agreement in principle" — says that for the first 15 years, Canada will split half of the bridge's net revenue with an economic development fund "established and solely controlled" by the U.S. government.
That net revenue would include "all revenues collected with respect to the bridge" minus operating costs, it says.
That appears to contradict comments by Prime Minister Mark Carney, who told CTV Calgary that "net profits" would be split in half after Canada was repaid its debts.
Carney later clarified that the net revenue would be split, but his explanation generated more confusion — and criticism from opposition parties, who demanded the agreement be released in full.
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