A bridge over troubled water?

Friday, July 24, 2026

Written by Jane Gerster Copy Editor, Digital News

Good morning. The Gordie Howe bridge is set to open at long last. We'll explore what the economic impact could be. Parents may be struggling to find child care, but home daycares say they're struggling to stay afloat — we'll explain the disconnect. Plus, remembering the late, great jazz pianist Oliver Jones.

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Billions in trade, 850,000 hours saved and a $6.4B price tag: Gordie Howe bridge by the numbers

Two years ago, U.S. and Canadian iron workers shook hands when the bridge's edge girders were joined — now, trucks are set to traverse it.

What's happening: After seven years of construction and months of delays, traffic opens on the Gordie Howe International Bridge in the Windsor-Detroit corridor on Monday. With three lanes in each direction, the bridge is expected to handle nearly half of the commercial traffic in the corridor. It's already North America's busiest international land crossing, with an estimated $1 billion shipped through daily.

Why it matters: "There's a tremendous opportunity here in dollar terms, but also in terms of what our future looks like," says economics professor Moshe Lander. The existing crossings are already near capacity, meaning the congestion reduction Gordie Howe offers could save trucking time and money. Savings add up quickly, especially when you consider how many parts get shipped back and forth before ending up as a final product. And yes, Lander acknowledges, the U.S.-Canada relationship is fraught, but the bridge is a reminder: "They are in our backyard. We are in their backyard. It's not going away."

Abby Hughes explains

Are home daycares being squeezed out of business?

Despite reports of lengthy wait lists and parents struggling to find care, home child-care providers say their business is struggling.

What's happening: A licensed Calgary provider with 34 years of experience is offering the government-subsidized rate, but says she's gone from a wait list to having two out of six spots empty. And she's not the only home provider looking at closing their doors or taking a financial hit.

Why it matters: While some home daycares point the finger at the federal subsidized plan, experts who study child care say it's more than that. "The actual future of home child care in Canada," says one professor, is "a bit of an open question right now." As women's career opportunities have expanded, more have shifted to more profitable jobs outside of child care, at the same time as parents have an increasing preference for centre-based care.

Maia Tustonic has more

Oliver Jones, Montreal jazz pianist and music icon, has died

Jones, 91, was synonymous with Montreal's Jazz Festival.

What's happening: Jones was born in Montreal on Sept. 11, 1934, and performed his first concert when he was only five. It was the beginning of the icon's long career, which saw him release more than 20 albums with Justin Time Records. Though he travelled far and wide with his music, Montreal was always his home.

Why it matters: Jones was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 2023. He won two Juno Awards, several Felix awards and received six honourary doctorates. He was appointed an officer to the Order of Canada, a knight for the Ordre national de Québec and a commander for the Order of Montreal.

Read the obituary