New Crossing "A Win for Citizens and Businesses on Both Sides of the Border" says Perrin Beatty

OTTAWA, June 15, 2012 /CNW/ - The Canadian Chamber of Commerce welcomes today's a agreement to build a New International Trade Crossing between Detroit, Michigan and Windsor, Ontario.

"With about half of all trade between Canada and the US moving across the Michigan-Ontario border, the region is at the heart of our bilateral trading relationship. A new bridge is long overdue," said Perrin Beatty, President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. He added: "The region can't continue to rely on one major span. If the Ambassador Bridge were closed for any reason, even just for repairs, it could have catastrophic effects on the economies of both nations. A new bridge will create more than 10,000 construction jobs and will strengthen the industrial base in both countries. It's a win for citizens and businesses on both sides of the border." 

"The Windsor-Essex Chamber and the Canadian Chamber have long advocated for this critical cross-border infrastructure investment at Windsor-Detroit. Windsor-Detroit is the economic lifeline for both our countries and we are elated that our two governments have the agreement in place to proceed. "said Matt Marchand, President and CEO, Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce.

The Canadian business community has been demanding a second bridge between Windsor and Detroit for several years. About 10,000 commercial vehicles cross the Ambassador Bridge each day. Almost a quarter of all merchandise trade between Canada and the U.S. uses the bridge which links highly integrated sectors like the automotive industry. However, these same supply lines are extremely vulnerable to delays, especially at the border. These delays add costs that decrease productivity and kill jobs.

"When more than one quarter of Canada-U.S trade travels through the Windsor-Detroit corridor, the efficient movement of goods and people in this region becomes extremely important to a healthy and growing Ontario economy," said Allan O'Dette, Ontario Chamber of Commerce, President & CEO. "The Detroit River International Crossing will eliminate lengthy backlogs and open up opportunities for further economic growth and job creation, on both sides of the border." 

"Today's announcement marks an important new stage in the process" added Mr.  Beatty. "The Canadian government and Governor Snyder have worked hard to get us to this point. Now we need to see the project through."

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is the vital connection between business and the federal government. It helps shape public policy and decision-making to the benefit of businesses, communities and families across Canada with a network of over 420 chambers of commerce and boards of trade, representing 192,000 businesses of all sizes in all sectors of the economy and in all regions. News and information are available at www.chamber.ca  or follow us on Twitter @CdnChamberofCom.

Émilie S. Potvin
Director, Public Affairs & Media Relations
Office: 613.238.4000 (231)
Cell.: 613.797.1860
[email protected]