Ottawa, ON – Harb Gill, Conservative Shadow Minister for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Eastern, Central and Southern Ontario; Melissa Lantsman, Deputy Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada; Dan Albas, Conservative Shadow Minister for Transport; and Chris Lewis, Conservative Member of Parliament for Essex, released the following statement after the Liberals blocked a study of the Gordie Howe International Bridge deal:
“Today, Liberal MPs voted to adjourn a meeting of the Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates, blocking an investigation into the new agreement on the Gordie Howe International Bridge.
“After countless threats and illegal tariffs from President Donald Trump, Canadians are right to be dismayed by the Liberal government’s concessions. Now, following contradictory statements from Prime Minister Mark Carney and the Minister of Finance, the government admitted they will give half the net revenues from the Gordie Howe International Bridge to the US.
“The bridge was paid for entirely by the Canadian side and the previous deal, negotiated under Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper, rightly saw Canada keep all revenues until the cost of construction was recouped.
“Canadians have a right to know why and how this change occurred, and where the American share of the revenues will be going: a critical question, as billionaire and GOP megadonor Matthew Moroun owns the competing Ambassador Bridge.
“Today, Liberals had a chance to stand on the side of transparency and seek answers for Parliament and the public. Instead, they decided to be useful votes for the Prime Minister.
“Shutting down a study won’t make these problems disappear. His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition will always fight for a government that is accountable, and for a Canada that is truly glorious and free.”