The Secret Windsor Meeting That Secured Gordie Howe Bridge Funding
A confidential meeting held in Windsor proved to be the pivotal moment that enabled the construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, with Canada agreeing to finance the entire $6.4-billion project. Former Michigan Governor Rick Snyder has revealed details about this crucial encounter that occurred when political roadblocks threatened to derail the vital border crossing infrastructure.
Overcoming Legislative Opposition
Rick Snyder, who served as Michigan's governor from 2011 to 2019, explained that after the Michigan legislature refused to allocate funds for the badly needed new bridge, he crossed the border to pitch Canada on financing the project. The legislative opposition stemmed partly from lobbying efforts by owners of the existing Ambassador Bridge, creating significant obstacles to progress.
"We wanted to keep it extremely quiet what we were doing," Snyder told the Windsor Star. "We arranged a meeting in Windsor to meet with some of the ministry people about doing the bridge deal and getting it financed."
Constitutional Loophole Discovery
The Republican governor's team discovered a rarely cited section of Michigan's 1963 constitution that provided a legal pathway forward. This constitutional language allowed the state to strike a deal with the "Dominion of Canada" even without legislative approval, creating an essential mechanism to bypass political opposition.
Snyder attempted to maintain discretion during the Windsor meeting, traveling through the tunnel rather than the Ambassador Bridge to avoid attention. However, his arrival was met with two Windsor police cars with flashing lights escorting his vehicle to the meeting location.
"So much for our secret meeting," Snyder remarked about the unexpectedly conspicuous arrival.
Current Political Challenges
The nearly completed bridge now faces new threats from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who recently promised to block its opening despite having previously pushed for the project to be fast-tracked during his first presidential term. Trump's February 9th Truth Social post contained multiple false claims about the bridge project.
Among the inaccurate assertions was the claim that no American steel or labor was used in construction because former President Barack Obama granted Canada a waiver of the Buy America Act. Trump also demanded that the United States own "at least one half of this asset" despite the well-documented fact that Canada and Michigan jointly own the bridge through a 50/50 partnership.
Correcting Misinformation
Snyder addressed the misinformation circulating about the project, emphasizing that "Canada has financed this entire project, and we should be grateful." He clarified that while Canadian taxpayers funded the construction, ownership is equally shared between Canada and the State of Michigan.
"My impression was he had advisors come to him with bad information that they picked up, and they were sharing it with him and he accepted it," Snyder said regarding Trump's claims. "I just want to make sure he has the correct facts."
The former governor explained that any waiver of the Buy America Act made logical sense since half of the bridge structure resides in Canada. He urged decision-makers to revisit the facts and recognize that the bridge's opening benefits both nations economically and logistically.
Historic International Cooperation
The Gordie Howe International Bridge has long been touted as a historic example of international cooperation between Canada and the United States. The structure represents a significant infrastructure achievement that will enhance cross-border trade and transportation between Windsor and Detroit when completed.
Snyder's revelation about the secret Windsor meeting provides new insight into the behind-the-scenes negotiations that made this ambitious project possible despite substantial political challenges on both sides of the border.
