Canada's Infrastructure Minister visits Windsor/Essex, Ontario and Detroit, Michigan to meet with local community and business leaders and discuss the benefits of the Gordie Howe International Bridge project

WINDSOR, ON, Feb. 20, 2019 /CNW/ - Canadians and Americans will benefit from increased trade as a result of the Government of Canada's investment in the Gordie Howe International Bridge project. The new bridge project will create good middle-class jobs, ensure efficient travel and movement of goods and people across the border, and provide a variety of benefits to local communities.

This week, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Canada's Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, will visit both Windsor and Detroit to meet with local business and community leaders to discuss the strategic importance and benefits of the Gordie Howe International Bridge project, and continue to strengthen the partnership between Michigan and Canada.

On February 21(st), Minister Champagne will meet with local business and community leaders in Windsor to provide an update on the Gordie Howe bridge project and to discuss their economic priorities. The Minister will also visit the construction site of the Canadian Port of Entry.

On February 22(nd), Minister Champagne will visit Detroit, Michigan, to participate in a roundtable with Detroit and Michigan based business representatives to discuss the Gordie Howe bridge project.

Quotes

"The Gordie Howe International Bridge project is a much-needed border crossing that will bring many important benefits to Windsor and Detroit. The bridge will help ensure the safe and efficient movement of goods and people with one of our most important trading partners - the United States. The project will contribute to growing the economy now and for future generations."

-François-Philippe Champagne, Canada's Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

Quick facts

    --  The Gordie Howe International Bridge will ensure direct connectivity
        with existing highway networks on both sides of the border and help move
        goods and travelers quickly and efficiently while ensuring safety and
        security. It is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2024.
    --  The Gordie Howe International Bridge project between Windsor, Ontario
        and Detroit, Michigan is being delivered through a public- private
        partnership (P3) by Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA), a
        not-for-profit Canadian Crown corporation. WDBA is responsible for
        overseeing and managing the construction and operation of the new
        crossing.
    --  Bridging North America, WDBA's private-sector partner, expects the
        project will create 2,500 direct jobs and many more indirect jobs,
    --  The Government of Canada's Investing in Canada plan is providing more
        than $180 billion over 12 years for public infrastructure across the
        country.

SOURCE Infrastructure Canada