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(Photo credit- Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority and the Gordie Howe International Bridge project) In the bustling Windsor-Detroit corridor, trade flow between Canada and the United States is about to get even smoother thanks to the new Gordie Howe International Bridge between Windsor, ON and Detroit, MI. As of July, 2024, after the successful completion the bridge deck between Windsor, Ontario and Detroit, Michigan now complete, the Gordie Howe International Bridge became an official border crossing. The new the Gordie Howe International Bridge will enhance the flow of goods and services, offering a critical alternative at the busiest commercial land border crossing between Canada and the United States—creating thousands of jobs and opportunities on both sides of the border. 3
PROUDLY BUILDING OUR COMMUNITIES. Better. Stronger. United. LiUNA625. The Labourers’ International Union of North America Local 625. We are builders of cities and suburbs. From the neighborhoods that we live in to the roads, highways and bridges that get us there. From the utilities that power our cities to schools, hospitals, skyscrapers and shopping malls. Established in 1945, in Windsor Ontario, and doubling its forces over the past decade, LiUNA625 has grown to over 2,800 Members, making it the largest Construction Building Trade Union in the Windsor, Essex-Chatham-Kent Area. With more than 130,000 Members across Ontario, and Local Union Affiliates across this country as well as the United States, LiUNA has become one of the most influential, most respected unions in Canada. Inspired by a mandate that defines a progressive, proactive, positive organization, LiUNA advocates and negotiates in the best interest of our Members and their families – to ensure job creation, fair wages, free skills training, exceptional health care benefits, pension security, and the right to work safely-always. A mandate that has enabled a strike-free history, cooperative and collaborative relations with all government partners and Signatory Contractors while securing LiUNA’s leading role on local world-class infrastructure projects like the Rt. Hon. Herb Grey Parkway, the $6.4 billion Gordie Howe International Bridge, scheduled for completion in 2025, plus an additional $8- $10 billion in building and infrastructure projects that include the NextStar EV Battery Plant, Highway 3 expansion, the new Banwell Rd /EC Row interchange and the massive hospital project all slated for completion by 2030 in our jurisdiction alone. LiUNA625 is a proud pioneer in establishing an inclusive, barrier-free workplace where we welcome, encourage and support all individuals regardless of age, gender or cultural heritage; whether they are constructionskilled and job-ready for union Membership, or pursuing a career path to complete The Construction Craft Worker Red Seal Apprenticeship Program, in the comfort of our state-of-theart Local Apprentice Training Campus. Our commitment to building better communities extends beyond construction skills. LiUNA625 proudly takes a leadership role in supporting the well-being of our community, funding critical healthcare initiatives, fundraising for numerous Local charities, volunteering for special causes, and hosting Member Functions which celebrate the LiUNA625 family. Experience our unique ‘lifestyle’. Experience a rewarding career, including industry-leading wages, membership in a private MULTIMillion Dollar Health and Welfare Benefit Plan, Legal Benefits, as well as enrollment in our MULTIBILLION Dollar Pension Plan, funded by more than 130,000 LiUNA women and men, and working with more than 3000 Employers. Work Safely. Work Proudly. Retire with Dignity. Join LiUNA @ www.liuna625.ca 6
(Photo credit- Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority and the Gordie Howe International Bridge project) With six lanes, border inspection plazas, and seamless connections to Highway 401 in Ontario and Interstate-75 in Michigan, the new bridge will redefine regional connectivity and economic vitality. The Windsor-Detroit trade corridor is the busiest commercial land border crossing on the Canada-U.S. border, handling 31 per cent of Canada-U.S. trade carried by truck. Every year, over approximately 2.5 million trucks carrying over $100 billion in trade use this corridor. CRITICAL LAND BORDER CROSSING “Canada and the United States have always done big things, together,” said The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, to mark the historic accomplishment. “As the largest and most ambitious infrastructure project along the Canada-United States border, the Gordie Howe International Bridge is proof of just that. Beyond further strengthening the deep connection between our two nations, this bridge will drive economic growth for both countries while creating more jobs and increasing border security.” “The Gordie Howe International Bridge project addresses critical regional transportation needs,” says Heather Grondin, Chief Relations Officer of the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA). “It will provide redundancy, increased capacity, improved system connectivity, and enhanced border processing efficiency.” Emphasizing its significance, she added, “As the busiest commercial land border 7
(Photo credit- Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority and the Gordie Howe International Bridge project) crossing between Canada and the U.S., this project is pivotal for the economies of Ontario, Michigan, and beyond.” HONORING A LEGEND: GORDIE HOWE Named after hockey icon Gordie Howe, the bridge symbolizes cross-border unity and shared heritage, and is a testament to his enduring impact on both sides of the border. Gordie Howe was born in Floral, Saskatchewan, and during his career was known as “Mr. Hockey”. He has distinguished himself as one of the most prolific and talented hockey players of all time. “Gordie Howe’s legacy as a Canadian who played prominently for the Detroit Red Wings resonates deeply in Windsor and Detroit,” says Grondin. Prime Minister Stephen Harper was first to announce the bridge would honour Mr. Howe in 2015. “I am pleased to be here at this critical border crossing to announce that the future publiclyowned bridge between Windsor, Ontario, and Detroit, Michigan, will be named the Gordie Howe International Bridge,” he said at the time. “Mr. 8
Hockey, one of the greatest players in the history of the game, is a proud Canadian who led the Detroit Red Wings to four Stanley Cup victories, building extraordinary goodwill between our two countries. It is my sincere hope that this bridge, which bears his name, will continue this proud legacy by accelerating the flow of people, merchandise and services between our great nations for years to come.” “In 2023, both iconic bridge towers reached their full height of 220 meters,” says Grondin. “The bridge deck, spanning 853 meters over the Detroit River, now stands as North America’s longest cablestayed bridge.” The project’s Community Benefits Plan reflects input from Windsor and Detroit communities, as well. “It aims to foster local development and participation, with a $23 million investment in initiatives like workforce development and neighborhood infrastructure,” says Grondin, underscoring the bridge’s role not just as infrastructure but as a catalyst for social and economic progress. P3 MODEL The project’s funding model, a public-private partnership (P3) with Bridging North America, has been proven to be very effective for large infrastructure builds such as this for its optimization of resource allocation and risk management, ensuring sustainable project delivery. Laborers International Union of North America Local 1191 (“Laborers’ Local 1191”), located in Detroit, Michigan, is comprised of more than 5,500 active and retired skilled trades men and women with experience in over seventy-five (75) trades classifications of work. Laborers’ Local 1191 and its members are proud to have had the opportunity to work on the multi-billion-dollar Gordie Howe International Bridge project. Since the project commenced in 2018, more than 12,000 skilled trades men and women based in the United States and Canada gained invaluable work and apprenticeship experience—1,100 of which are members of Laborers’ Local 1191. 10
(Photo credit- Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority and the Gordie Howe International Bridge project) 11
(Photo credit- Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority and the Gordie Howe International Bridge project) 12
(Photo credit- Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority and the Gordie Howe International Bridge project) “Under this model,” says Grondin, “the private sector handles design, construction, and maintenance while the public sector ensures long-term benefits.” This collaborative approach recognizing the project’s sustainability and community impact, Grondin shared, “We’ve received accolades like the Envision Platinum Award and recognition for our environmental stewardship and community engagement efforts.” These awards affirm the project team’s commitment to excellence and innovation in infrastructure development. OVER 12,000 JOBS “The bridge project has created over 12,000 jobs, with a substantial local workforce,” Grondin highlighted. “Once operational, it will bolster trade security with advanced border processing technologies and dedicated facilities for customs agencies.” Looking ahead, “The bridge will enhance crossborder trade, aligning with USMCA goals and fostering economic resilience post-pandemic. Seeing ironworkers from both nations unite atop the bridge embodies the spirit of collaboration and accomplishment,” says Grondin, adding, “The Gordie Howe International Bridge will strengthen bilateral trade relations and economic ties, supporting regional growth and prosperity.” For more information, please visit www.gordiehoweinternationalbridge.com/en 13
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As seen in BusinessEliteCanada.com www.gordiehoweinternationalbridge.com/en
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