News Release
For immediate release
Ottawa, Ontario, May 23, 2019 — The Government of Canada is making important infrastructure investments that are helping create good middle-class jobs, promote trade and productivity, and grow the economy. The Gordie Howe International Bridge will support economic growth by improving connections between Canada and the U.S. and enabling the continuous flow of people and goods through a safe, secure and efficient Windsor-Detroit trade corridor.
Today, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, announced the appointment of Mr. Roy Norton, as Member of the International Authority for the Gordie Howe International Bridge project.
Mr. Norton is a seasoned diplomat whose career has spanned over 40 years in Canada-U.S. and international relations. He is a former Chief of Protocol of Canada at Global Affairs Canada, and is highly familiar with the needs of both Michigan and Ontario. He is currently Diplomat-in-residence at the Balsillie School of International Affairs at the University of Waterloo.
The International Authority is a joint Canada-Michigan governance entity responsible for overseeing compliance with the Crossing Agreement signed by Canada and Michigan for the Gordie Howe International Bridge project.
The appointment was made under the Government of Canada’s new approach to Governor in Council appointments. This approach supports open, transparent and merit-based selection processes that strive for gender parity and reflect Canada’s diversity, to support Ministers in making appointment recommendations for positions within their portfolio by providing them with information and referrals.
Quotes:
“The Government of Canada is pleased to welcome Mr. Roy Norton as a Member of the International Authority. Mr. Norton’s vast expertise in Canada-U.S. relations will help move the Gordie Howe International Bridge project forward to its successful completion by ensuring project compliance and building strong relationships with project stakeholders and partners.”
The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
Quick facts
- The Gordie Howe International Bridge project between Windsor, Ontario and Detroit, Michigan is being delivered through a public-private partnership (P3) by Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA), a not-for-profit Canadian Crown corporation. WDBA is responsible for overseeing and managing the construction and operation of the new crossing.
- The Gordie Howe International Bridge will ensure direct connectivity with existing highway networks on both sides of the border and will have enhanced border infrastructure to help move goods and travelers quickly and efficiently while ensuring safety and security. It is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2024.
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Backgrounder
Roy Norton
Mr. Norton is a seasoned diplomat whose career has spanned over 40 years in Canada-U.S. and international relations. He is a former Chief of Protocol of Canada at Global Affairs Canada, and is highly familiar with the needs of both Michigan and Ontario, having served as Consul General of Canada in Detroit from 2010 to 2014, and as a senior public servant for the Province of Ontario.
With extensive experience in relationship building on both the Canadian and the U.S. sides of the border, Mr. Norton has worked with leaders and stakeholders in the State of Michigan on outreach initiatives for the Gordie Howe International Bridge project, and has been recognized for his advocacy work for the project in both Canada and the U.S.
Mr. Norton’s career has brought him to live and work across the globe, most notably in Washington, the States of Michigan and Illinois, and in Ottawa, Canada.
He is currently Diplomat-in-residence at the Balsillie School of International Affairs, University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University, in Waterloo, Ontario.
Mr. Norton lives in Stratford, Ontario and holds a Ph.D. in International Relations from Johns Hopkins University, School of Advanced International Studies, Washington D.C. and a Master of Arts in Canadian History from Carleton University, Ottawa Ontario.
