Gordie Howe bridge opening delayed as U.S. trade talks stall

[00:00:00]The Gordie Howe Bridge connecting Windsor to Detroit was set to open on Friday until it suddenly was not.

[00:00:07]>> There's not great drama here.

[00:00:09]>> The Prime Minister downplaying the change in plans.

[00:00:12]>> We're going to work through some some issues that have come up.

[00:00:18]And you know, for a bridge that is going to be in place and serve Canadians, Americans, others for decades, question of a few weeks is time well spent.

[00:00:29]>> The Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority announced the move as it called the span a vital economic link for Canada and the United States, adding they have agreed to delay the opening.

[00:00:40]>> If the bridge doesn't open and if you still have to go through Sarnia, long hour waiting times, that's going to screw up everything.

[00:00:49]>> It would be so much nicer to have a new bridge to cross, so easier and faster.

[00:00:55]>> Canada paid $6.4 billion to build the new bridge. The initial plan called for the federal government to split toll revenue with the state of Michigan, but only after recouping construction costs.

[00:01:07]This state Republican now saying he wants that money immediately.

[00:01:12]>> I would support efforts to try to get 50/50 on the toll revenue.

[00:01:18]>> The US President made a similar demand in February after the billionaire owner of the competing Ambassador Bridge reportedly met with his administration.

[00:01:27]>> The mayor of Windsor sees no other explanation for the delay.

[00:01:31]>> Canadians paid for this bridge and I don't want to see our government go on bent knee to the White House to get this bridge open. We'll wait for a good deal.

[00:01:39]>> Just one more outstanding issue between Canada and the US as the two countries prepare to meet at the G7. Ottawa says it's made progress on some trade irritants. Next week, the Canada-US trade minister is set to meet with his Washington counterpart. Raffy Boudjikan on CBC News, Ottawa.