Gordie Howe bridge: Carney says Canada paid after call with Trump

Prime Minister Mark Carney said he told U.S. President Donald Trump that Canada paid to build the Gordie Howe International Bridge after Mr. Trump suggested the U.S. could block its opening; Mr. Carney described the call as positive and said he expects the matter will be resolved.

Prime Minister Mark Carney said he spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump about the Gordie Howe International Bridge. The call followed a post from Mr. Trump saying the United States should own part of the asset and that its opening could be blocked unless demands were met. Mr. Carney said he explained that Canada paid for the bridge and that ownership is shared with the state of Michigan. He described the conversation as positive and said he expects the situation will be resolved. Key details: - The bridge was reported as financed by the Canadian government at a cost of about $6.4 billion, with plans to recoup costs through tolls. - President Trump posted that the United States should own "at least one half of this asset," and suggested he might block the opening without concessions. - Mr. Carney said he told Mr. Trump Canada paid for construction and noted ownership is shared between Michigan and Canada. - The Prime Minister said construction involved steel and workers from both countries and called the project an example of cooperation. - Mr. Carney said the pair discussed related trade issues and that Mr. Trump asked U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra to help smooth conversations around the bridge. Summary: The exchange drew attention to diplomatic discussions over the bridge and its cross-border role in commerce and travel. Mr. Carney emphasized Canadian funding and said he expects the matter will be resolved. Undetermined at this time.