The federal government released the text of what it’s calling an agreement in principle with the United States for the Gordie Howe International Bridge, which outlines how revenues could be collected — and shared — for the bridge that was entirely financed by Canadian taxpayers.
Portions of it appear to contradict what Prime Minister Mark Carney has said about how money will be split and how much the U.S. will get before Canadians are repaid for the debt of the bridge.
Carney said last week that Canada will not share any tolls collected from the bridge until Canada’s $6.4-billion debt from building it is repaid, but he also said that “net revenues” will be split over 15 years.
“Splitting of tolls, any sharing of the toll, won’t happen until all of the debt is repaid,” Carney told reporters on July 16.
“We will split net revenues over the course of the first 15 years and those net revenues are after operational costs — it’s manning the toll booth, it’s maintenance, it’s snow removal, a series of other operational costs.”
That came after Carney had told CTV on July 12 that, “We get the revenues. Then the servicing of the costs of the bridge and paying the debt of the bridge, and then what’s left over, there’s a split of that for 15 years.”
However, the text of the agreement in principle states that Canada will make payments to the U.S. totalling 50 per cent of “net bridge and crossing related revenues” for 15 years, and doesn’t clearly define what counts as operating costs or make mention of Canada’s debt.
The bridge is set to open on July 27 after several months of delays, and it will generate revenue mainly from drivers paying a toll to cross it.
But Canada sharing any portion of the bridge’s revenues, including from tolls, means it make take longer for Canada to make back the money paid to build the bridge in the first place.
What the agreement says
Canada originally paid the entire $6.4 billion cost to build the bridge, and under the terms of the original 2012 agreement with Michigan, Canada would have been entitled to receive all toll revenues until its total debt was recuperated.
But under the terms of the new agreement in principle, some of those revenues would be sent to the U.S. for the first 15 years.
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“Canada will provide annual economic participation payments, outside the 2012 Canada–Michigan Crossing Agreement equal to fifty (50) per cent of net bridge and crossing related revenues for the first fifteen (15) fiscal years of bridge operations,” the new agreement in principle says.
“Net bridge and crossing related revenues is all revenues collected with respect to the bridge, less all incurred operating costs of the bridge. Such payments shall be made to a United States-Canada Economic Development Fund, established and solely controlled by the Government of the United States.”
Those “operating costs” are not defined in the text. Typically, the phrase would refer to things like expenses to run the bridge on a regular basis, but the text does not factor in the initial capital expense Canada spent to build the bridge.
The new agreement in principle makes no direct mention of Canada’s initial cost to build the bridge, but does distinguish the 2012 agreement as being a separate binding agreement.
“Nothing in this Agreement in Principle shall be interpreted as amending, modifying or superseding the 2012 Canada–Michigan Crossing Agreement or the ownership, governance and financial framework established thereunder,” it says.
The U.S. controlled Economic Development Fund is also detailed in the new agreement as being something both Canada and the U.S. “will reasonably agree on,” and that “will be for the benefit of the United States,” as well as trade between the U.S. and Canada.
The amount that drivers pay in tolls to cross the bridge will be set by the Canada-run Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority, as originally stated in the 2012 agreement.
But the new agreement in principle states that certain proposed adjustments to those tolls during the first 15 years of the bridge’s operations will require a 30-day waiting period to allow the U.S. to either provide written consent of those changes or reject them.
The specific adjustments that may be subject to a 30-day waiting period include the following:
- “a. a proposed toll-rate increase (i) exceeds ten percent (10%) within any fiscal year and (ii) would result in toll rates that are above the average of comparable regional crossings; or
- b. a proposed toll-rate reduction would result in toll rates falling below the average of comparable regional crossings,” the new agreement in principle says.
The new agreement in principle also states that its terms must be confirmed by both parties (Canada and the U.S.) by the bridge’s pegged opening date of July 27, 2026, and a ceremonial opening event must be held by Aug. 3, 2026.
What's behind the confusion?
Carney’s statements, Concordia University economics professor Moshe Lander says, may have been a point of confusion because of the financial semantics: for example, distinguishing between “splitting of tolls” and splitting “net revenue.”
“He almost seemed to be suggesting that there’s another source of revenue that could be generated here, and I’m struggling to figure out — a toll bridge —how else are you making revenue?”
Lander said it will likely “take a little longer to recoup the cost because some of that money is going to front loaded and shared with the U.S.”
Although the bridge is still scheduled to open next week, Canada and the U.S. will not be celebrating the opening together after U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday threatened Canada with new tariffs of up to 50 per cent.
Art and Nadine-
I hope this goes through. Canadian tv on the agreement between the US and Canada on the Gordie Howe Bridge.
Barb
I can’t believe that Carney gave 50% of revenue from the bridge tolls to that illiterate grifting mobster. And it won’t even go to Michigan, but some other personal account to benefit the Trump family. What is Carney afraid of?
Capital expenditure is not a part of the profit and loss sheet. It is an asset. However, interest paid on the debt can be written off as an expense. This just needs to be stated more clearly to avoid the confusion that reigns right now
Capital expenditure is not a part of the profit and loss sheet. The interest charged on capital expenditures can be written off as an expense.
As I stated days ago when minimal details were available, the devil is in the fine print. I don’t see any fine print yet. The main thing I do see is the inclusion of “net” in the new agreement. That could change a lot, or it could change very little.
Could someone please explain what Net Revenue is?
Poilievre, haaahaaa reminds me an idiot named Mulroney
Either tear up the road leading up to the Ambassador Bridge or put it under constant construction until we get the original revenue agreement back!
Gordie Howe Bridge? Say the name properly, reporter! It’s the Gordie Howe International Bridge. I mean, who doesn’t know it’s an international bridge anyway? Did they really have to spell it out like that in the name?
Carney is a total liar just like when he tried to take credit for the work accomplished by the late Jim Flaherty
We know…this party hasn’t changed one bit in the 9? years they’ve been in power..
self serving, two faced puppets of the parasitic rich
it says that the agreement made in 2012 is still valid and cannot be changed and must be seen as a separate agreement. So PM Carney is right, correct…. the investment done by Canada must be taken in zccount first. But this US government will contest it.. I am not interested in politics but I can see the positive that this PM is doing for Canada. This are very difficult times with such a president of the US.
It is like playing cards following the rules of the game with one of the other players who is not respecting the rules… a very difficult game. ..
@Jeff Good try but the facts are the US will get 50% of the revenue from the tolls after snow removal and maintenance costs are taken out. Maintenance on a new bridge is minimal. Then Canada has to pay the cost of the interest on the $6.4 billion to build the bridge out of our 50%. The Americans don’t pay out anything and get the 50% revenue for 15 years while all the costs are on Canada. THAT my Liberal friend is NOT what Carney told us and is NOT a good deal for Canada. Elbows up Eh !!!
How many more times is Carney going to say one something and it ends up being wrong. Canadians are getting shafted on this deal. Carney is not the big tough negotiator the Liberals are making him out to be. Trump has Carney and Canada right where he wants and will keep piling on the tariffs. In the meantime Canadians are dealing with higher food prices every month.
This article clarified nothing. If anything it backed up the claims because it noted the new agreement didn’t supercede or modify the existing 2012 one. But of course the right wing clown show is jumping at the bait.
Agree with Kevin. It is beyond belief how people can not see Carney for what he really is. He is certainly not in it for you and me…
I’m not surprised we were lied to. The history of this bridge spans 2 decades of bonuses and pay to people involved, yet not a shovel hit the ground until 2018. Pure unadulterated money laundering and lining the pockets of associates.
Carney is a total liar. I bet CBC won’t talk about this scandal.
Should anyone be surprised that we weren’t told the entire story by Carney? I’m not.
The important question is what is in the 2012 agreement. The financial framework there stands based on this statement. “Nothing in this Agreement in Principle shall be interpreted as amending, modifying or superseding the 2012 Canada–Michigan Crossing Agreement or the ownership, governance and financial framework established thereunder,” it says.
It’s amazing the lengths the corporate media will go to carry water for this PM. Talk about pulling your punches.
What’s good for the US is good for Carney as that’s where most of his investments reside.
While Carney continues to hide his wealth in those blind trusts the rest of us can suffer. Just be thankful you have a roof over your head and the food banks exist.
” OH and Elbows Up Suckers “
That is the Liberal way. Say one thing and do the complete opposite. Carney is no different than Trudeau. He speaks a big game, but is nothing but a massive liar. He is completely corrupt and bribed his way to a majority (which shouldn’t be allowed, or at least trigger a by-election for floor crossers), and added so much to our debt, and disrupting any parliamentary oversight.
Oh, and he still has his shares in Berkshire Hathaway, so he is completely compromised against the US.
But I don’t see Canadians waking up to what he really is unfortunately.
The bottom line is Carney lied to the entire country and attempted to hide it. He should’ve just been honest. Canadians would’ve understood that dealing with Trump is a nightmare. Very poor choices.
The corrupt LPC has been caught lying SO MANY times since 2015. It’s staggering to imagine the stupidity of the people who continue to vote LPC
Are we getting outmuscled by trump cronies in terms of Gordon howe bridge?
Looks like we’re outmuscled again by the terms set by Trump cronies with regards to the opening of Gordon Howe bridge
J J Jettflow
July 23, 2026 at 7:34 am
Too bad neither Global nor the conservatives commenting here understand what “net profits “ means. It is equally too bad that they didn’t read the first agreement made with the Harper government that was exactly the same deal except instead of the 50% profit going to the state rather than some phoney slush fund under federal oversight. Nothing else different. Conservatives really seem to like making themselves look uninformed.
Boy, Libs simply refuse to see the writing on the price tag hey? NOT ONE PRICE ANYWHERE HAS DROPPED! As a matter of fact they all go up. And what’s with Harper? He’s been gone for 11 years plus now! THIS IS ALL ON THE LIBERALS! Man, I hate lying tre*sonous Liberals!! Waaaahhhh HARPER HARPER HARPER HARPER ITS ALL HARPER’S FAULT OH WOE !!!
Too bad neither Global nor the conservatives commenting here understand what “net profits “ means. It is equally too bad that they didn’t read the first agreement made with the Harper government that was exactly the same deal except instead of the 50% profit going to the state rather than some phoney slush fund under federal oversight. Nothing else different. Conservatives really seem to like making themselves look uninformed.
It’s NET revenue. That’s after expenses and Canadian loan repayments taken out first and then what is left over is shared – the profit. That’s what net means. Not the gross revenues which would mean america gets a cut before Canada gets its repayment money first.
This is exactly what Carney has been saying for weeks. How is everyone not listening?
LOL The Liberals replaced a compulsive liar with a prolific liar and the empty headed Canadian Electorate vored for a slogan.This shrub Carney has been shoveling out the B.S. since day one and the gullible just keep lapping it up.
This is beyond ridiculous Carney gave 50 percent to america and now that clown of a president over there wants to put 50 percent tariffs carney should void that agreement it’s not right one or the other either 50 percent tariffs or 50 percent bridge that thing irritates me so bad I call him thing cause he’s no man
The revenue sharing does NOT provide for interest costs on the cost of building the bridge. Canada has to pay those out of its share of the revenue after the 50 – 50 split occurs.
Carney ran away from the media questions about the bridge revenue sharing.
It is confirmed that what Carney said about the bridge “profit” sharing was untrue. The revenue sharing 50-50 starts on day one after snow clearing and maintenance costs are deducted and continue for 15 years. There is very little mainten
Remember Carney said “judge me by my prices at the grocery store”
While we have the highest grocery inflation costs in the world and it was announced the average household will be paying an additional $1200 this year in food costs 😂
But trump! But please pollievre!
Weakest military in G7…
Only g20 nation in a recession…
Homelessness, drug addiction and foodbank visits at all time highs…
1.4 TRILLION dollar national debt…. Doubled by the liberals.
Highest grocery inflation costs in the world…
Just keep those elbows up 🤡
Net revenue doesn’t contradict what the PM said Global.
In summary:
Carney got played as a coward, fool or both once again.
Trump breached another contract, making every one he signs utterly worthless
Net Revenue is always after carrying costs (loan repayment). Don’t spread misinformation.
Net revenue is after carrying costs
It was not a contradiction, it was an outright lie, like he always does. Mark Carnage is a chronic liar.
We should all know by now that the Liberals are habitual liars Carney is no different than Trudeau except a little smaller in some departments.
Revenue from a bridge = tolls
Carney said revenue will not be shared and he lied.
Let’s face it the guy Eastern Canada and downtown Vancouver voted in is a lemon. A huge one
Carney is incapable of negotiating his way out of a wet paper bag
He misrepresented himself and needs to be thrown out on his ear
Mind your vote. It matters
The Canadian government should refuse to open the bridge until Trump is gone or agrees to abide to the 2012 agreement period, no clauses or changes at all.
Big surprise. Carney has been telling us lies almost daily since he took over. He can’t be trusted with our money. He’s spent it all and now we’re spending $54.0 billion on debt servicing charges in 2025/26. That’s a BILLION dollars a week Carney has us paying in interest on his spending. If it hasn’t got to do with making money for Brookfield and by extention, himself, it doesn’t happen.
“Appears to” is not holding Carney accountable for his lies. How about journalist actually hold this Liberal government accountable and demand the truth from Carney!
The headline here is incorrect. The agreement states “ 4. Crossing Agreement: Nothing in this Agreement in Principle shall be interpreted as amending, modifying or superseding the 2012 Canada–Michigan Crossing Agreement or the ownership, governance and financial framework established thereunder.” and the 2012 agreement states that Canada will not be sharing the tolls until the debt is paid off first. You need to issue a correction.
So much clearer now.
Funny I heard yesterday the opening is off again (maybe due to the latest tariffs).
And this deal is ! Once again we are getting ……. !
Why not leave the bridge closed until Trump is gone, instead of signing something that in continue to scre…. w us for the next 30yrs.. ??
So far he seems to be similar to Trudeau. Says one thing, does the opposite. I wonder if Liberal voters are even capable of being critical? I know for a fact their memory does not extend past a month.
Nooooo, I’m SHOCKED . not 🤦
Read line #4
It does not negate the original deal
As for revenues, have you ever seen a government run op without excessive expenses?
This is not a win for the US but a propaganda piece to placate trump
All we can really do it sit back and laugh – Liberals voted for this, this is the Canada YOU created. Keep voting with your head up your ass.
Carney ate Trump’s anus out
“appears to contradict Carney”. It makes him into a liar. He deliberately tried to deceive the Canadian public. Now, does Global think this is more serious than a $12 glass of orange juice? That is the real question.
“Its USAs” is a complete dumba$$
Because Carney is a liar that deserves a dead King’s fate.
USA should get 100% of revenue and if not.. Invasion!
In other news, protesting government waste and excess by breaking at a crosswalk to intentionally damage said excess is not a hate crime.
It should be routine expresion of our rights under he constitution.
Anyone that suggests otherwise deserves to be dispensed with.
Censorship does not change reality.
Personally I don’t care what the deal is on the bridge but it’s time the Government and Mark Carney came clean on what the facts are. I know transparency and Liberal Governments cannot exist in the same sentence but action is needed on the contradictory statements.
The story is obviously not about the debt repayment, the story is that the Canadian bridge cannot undercut the price of Maroun’s Ambassador Bridge. His competitiveness is somewhat preserved for the next fifteen years.
The actual cost of the bridge to Canada will never be paid down The interest on the debt incurred is well beyonf the 50% of net revenue that will be collected.
The damage Trudeau did to our relation with the U.S. is generational.
Allowing Canada to be used as a staging area for illegal aliens and fentanyl flooding the US during Senile Joe’s klepto-socialist administration, reneging on our NATO and NORAD commitments, cheating on NAFTA etc., sure had consequences, eh?
Just to be clear, Trump knows that it was Carney who economically guided Trudeau to do it, so here we are.