Question Period Note: GORDIE HOWE INTERNATIONAL BRIDGE PROJECT

Update on the Gordie Howe International Bridge project.

• The Gordie Howe International Bridge project’s investment in infrastructure will grow the economy, create jobs, and promote trade for decades to come.

• The Gordie Howe International Bridge will provide modern facilities and direct highway to highway connection between Highway 401 in Ontario and Interstate 75 in Michigan. This will facilitate flow of people and goods at the busiest Canada - U.S. border.

• Construction activities are continuing on both sides of the border with Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority and Bridging North America having implemented comprehensive health and safety protocols necessary to ensure worker safety.

• The community benefits plan for the project will provide significant social, economic, and environmental benefits for communities in Windsor and Detroit.

If Asked about the Ambassador Bridge Permit

• Our government is fully committed to the Gordie Howe International Bridge project.

• With one quarter of the overall Canada-U.S. trade passing through this crossing annually, having a second bridge with efficient highway-to-highway connectivity, is essential to support trade between Canada and the U.S. and for our national security.

• Having both the Gordie Howe International Bridge and a fully functioning Ambassador Bridge will ensure capacity and reliability at Canada’s busiest crossing.

• A permit for a new Ambassador Bridge was granted with conditions in 2017, this does not impede our government’s work on the Gordie Howe International Bridge – work that is well underway and already creating many opportunities in the region.

• Nearly one third of Canada-US trade by truck goes through Windsor-Detroit.

• The construction of a new Windsor-Detroit crossing remains a top infrastructure priority for the Government of Canada.

• The Government of Canada is funding the entire project, with costs to be recouped from future toll revenues.

• The Gordie Howe International Bridge project will benefit the communities on both sides of the border in a variety of ways including providing additional crossing capacity, direct highway-to-highway connectivity, and technologically advanced ports of entry.

• The bridge will be publicly owned by both Canada and Michigan, and delivered by Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority through a public-private partnership.

• Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority is responsible for selecting the P3 partner and is also responsible for project oversight including construction and operation of the new crossing.

• On July 5, 2018 Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority announced the selection of Bridging North America as the private partner to design, build, finance, operate and maintain the Gordie Howe International Bridge project. Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority signed a fixed-priced contract with Bridging North America valued at $5.7 billion (nominal value) to design, construct, finance and then operate and maintain the project for 30 years.

• Official construction started in October 2018 and the bridge is scheduled to be opened by December 2024.

• On June 14, 2019, Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority and Bridging North America unveiled a comprehensive Community Benefits Plan for the project which will be delivered by Bridging North America over the course of the construction phase. The Community Benefits Plan has a workforce development component with employment, training, and educational opportunities, as well as a neighbourhood infrastructure component that will make aesthetic and functional improvements to local communities.

• Construction activities are continuing on both sides of the border in accordance with the directives issued by the Province of Ontario and the State of Michigan. Bridging North America has implemented comprehensive COVID-19 safety protocols and procedures that include the guidance provided by Public Health Professionals.

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