In the summer of 2023, I had the opportunity to visit and tour the construction site of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, the massive cable-stayed structure that crosses the Detroit River and connects Detroit, Michigan with Windsor, Ontario. At that time, the two sides had yet to be connected but you could see just how impressive the structure would be when completed. I was visiting the construction site with both Canadian and American lawmakers in my role as the co-chair of the Midwest Canada-U.S. Relations Committee. And it was clear how eager everyone was, from both countries, to see the bridge finally completed.

After all, the concept of a new bridge had been discussed for about a quarter of a century. The privately owned Ambassador Bridge had served the two countries well, but the increase in traffic was seen to warrant an additional bridge. Despite the agreement that a new bridge was necessary, it was not as simple as identifying a need and building the solution. A variety of political hurdles stood in the way of getting financial approval from the legislators in Michigan despite a widespread believe the project would benefit both countries.

Ultimately, under the leadership of then Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, a deal was struck that involved Canada paying the entire cost of the bridge and recouping the cost over a number of years from the tolls paid by those using the span. In 2013 the U.S. granted the permit for construction and following design and preparatory work, construction on what was officially named the Gordie Howe International Bridge (after the legendary Canadian hockey player who played more than two decades for the Detroit Red Wings) began in July of 2018.

Anyone who has made the trip recreationally between Detroit and Windsor knows how busy the current bridge crossing is. More than recreation, there are nearly 5,000 Canadians who commute to work in Detroit. And of course, most importantly from an economic standpoint, nearly 25% of the truck traffic that crosses between Canada and the United States happens at this port of entry. The new Gordie Howe International Bridge will not only increase convenience for commuters and visitors it will be vital for commerce.

Also, on my visit in 2023, we had the opportunity to meet with border security officers from both countries, many of whom were already doing training in advance of the construction being completed. The state-of-the-art border crossing will enhance security while making crossing more convenient.

This is a project, more than a quarter of a century in the making, that is truly a win-win for both countries. However it was frustrating to hear that the opening of the long-awaited project might be delayed because of politics, not practicalities, being played in Washington. Fortunately, as of the beginning of this week, it appears everyone has agreed to an official opening of July 27th.

The opening will be an important day that not only shows how our nations have worked together in the past for our mutual benefit, but hopefully also points the way toward renewed cooperation between long standing allies.

While I never saw Gordie Howe play in person, those who did marvelled at the tenacity and never give up attitude he displayed on the ice. It is fitting that the structure that now bears its name, needed the same type of attitude to achieve success. But it is a long-awaited opening that will be worth the wait for both countries.