The Gordie Howe International Bridge is set to open in less than a week, and the opening has been marked by controversy, from the terms governing revenue collection to government messaging about the new agreement with Washington.
Mixed Messaging
The full text of the agreement, posted online on July 21, said Canada will share 50 percent of the bridge’s net revenue during its first 15 years of operation with an economic development fund that is “solely controlled” by the U.S. government.
The document defines net revenue as “all revenues collected with respect to the bridge,” minus the operating costs. The agreement does not mention interest costs or repayment of the construction debt of the $6.4 billion bridge, which the Canadian government paid for….