Federal Minister Evan Solomon says ongoing trade negotiations with the United States are one factor affecting the timeline for the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge. Solomon, minister of artificial intelligence and digital innovation and minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, made the comments during a visit to Windsor on Thursday. In an interview on The Shift with Patty Handysides, Solomon suggested the bridge’s opening is tied, in part, to broader discussions with Washington. He described the talks as complex and ongoing, adding Canada’s trade team is actively engaged with U.S. counterparts. “I can tell you that Dominic LeBlanc, who is our lead negotiator on this, and Ambassador Mark Wiseman and Janice Charette, our negotiating team, are talking a lot to the Americans about getting that open,” Solomon said. He said while opening the bridge is a priority, it is part of a larger effort tied to trade and tariffs. “At the end of the day … we’ve got to make sure people are bridged throughout this tariff war so they can get on the other side of it,” he said. “We’ve got the bigger picture to worry about, which is to try to get a better deal for everyone.” Solomon said the bridge project is just one element of broader negotiations. “In some ways, that’s just one element of a much larger fight we’re in right now,” he said. Speaking at a news conference later in the day, Solomon reiterated that discussions with the United States remain active. “We’re having productive dialogue with the United States, but there are a lot of factors,” he said. “The bridge is one factor, trade — there are a lot of industries that are being impacted.” Solomon added he has also spoken with Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, and both are hopeful the bridge will open soon. Meanwhile, a section of the Herb Gray Parkway in Windsor has recently reopened to traffic. The Ministry of Transportation says barriers have been removed from a previously closed far-left lane near St. Clair College. The lane is now open along a stretch where the parkway connects Highway 401 to the future bridge crossing, extending toward the E.C. Row Expressway. The Gordie Howe International Bridge is a $6.7-billion project. Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority officials have said it is expected to open in spring 2026. With files from CTV News Windsor’s Michelle Maluske
