Gordie Howe Bridge vital to small businesses, farmers, manufacturers that rely on trade with Canada

Michigan Smart Trade Alliance highlights need to keep goods moving, reduce costs, provide consistency for state industries

LANSING, Michigan — The Michigan Smart Trade Alliance (MISTA) released the following statement regarding the opening of the Gordie Howe Bridge between Michigan and Canada:

“Michigan’s automotive and manufacturing industries have a deeply integrated supply chain with Canada and that partnership between our countries is critical to our state economy,” said John Sellek, a spokesman for MISTA. “MISTA polling showed that Michigan residents want to continue the trading relationship between the U.S. and Canada. The Gordie Howe Bridge will serve as a critical trade route that will help grow Michigan businesses and create jobs.”

“Michigan needs predictable, stable trade policies that encourage investment and create jobs,” said Mark Fisk, a spokesman for MISTA. “The Gordie Howe Bridge is critical infrastructure that benefits the intertwined economies of Michigan and Canada. Small businesses, farmers and manufacturers on both sides of the border rely on being able to easily move between both countries. Trade tensions and uncertainty created by current trade policies will raise costs for businesses and consumers at a time when they can least afford it. We need to work collaboratively with Canada, our longstanding and reliable trade partner, so both our nations can continue to create jobs and rein in rising costs by promoting smart trade policies.”