For more than 20 years, the Chamber has advocated for a third border crossing between Detroit and Windsor to support one of the world’s largest trade partnerships and drive economic growth. Leveraging one of the most respected advocacy programs in Michigan, the Chamber has led efforts to approve, build, and open the Gordie Howe International Bridge, a generational infrastructure project that will positively impact the region, state, and country for decades to come.
“Opening the Gordie Howe International Bridge starts the next chapter in the historic trade relationship between the U.S. and Canada. This critical infrastructure will enhance Michigan’s advanced manufacturing, automotive, agricultural, and tourism industries while benefitting employers and residents across the Detroit-Windsor region for generations to come.
Vehicles and people crossing a new international bridge between Detroit and Windsor reflect the culmination of a once-in-a-century advocacy win by the Detroit Regional Chamber on behalf of its members, the business community at large, and the entire state.
The Chamber stood side-by-side with former Governor Rick Snyder as he led the charge to make this new international crossing possible, and worked across multiple presidential administrations, governors of both parties – including Gov. Gretchen Whitmer – members of the Michigan congressional delegation, and Canadian Consul Generals Roy Norton and Colin Bird — to move this critical project across the finish line.
Beyond its economic impact, we hope the Gordie Howe International Bridge serves as a reminder of the importance of the U.S.-Canada relationship. Ideally, it can be a catalyst to negotiate a stronger USMCA that unites the North American trade bloc and helps secure the economic future of the U.S. and Michigan as we compete globally with China and the EU.”
– Sandy K. Baruah, President and Chief Executive Officer, Detroit Regional Chamber
Dating back to the late 90’s, the Chamber led the business community’s push to highlight the need for a new Detroit-Windsor border crossing and the economic benefits of the project.
“Gov. Snyder stuck his neck out for this project. He kept running into obstacles in the legislature, and it took a lot of political courage to push for the new bridge. It would have been easier to just walk away and point the finger at the legislature.”
– Brad Williams, former Vice President of Government Affairs
With more than 200 million people and approximately $500 billion in goods moving across the Canadian-U.S. border annually, maintaining that flow had been a long-standing Chamber priority since the early 2000s.
Take a look below to see the new bridge’s impact in numbers.
The Chamber’s December 2025 Detroiter Magazine highlights the importance of U.S.- Canada trade and its disproportionate impact of fluctuating trade policy on Michigan and provides insights on the best way to build on the interconnected Detroit-Windsor Region to boost economic growth and advance Michigan’s key industries.
