EDITORIAL: Words to the wise from Number 9

If our leaders had an ounce of Howe’s class, the bridge would have been opened months ago,

Published Jul 22, 2026  •  Last updated 2 hours ago  •  2 minute read

The Gordie Howe International Bridge in Windsor is shown on Friday, April 24, 2026. Photo by Dan Janisse /The Windsor Star

See more Toronto Sun on Google — save as a Preferred Source 

Article content

It is appropriate, as Canada and the U.S. prepare to finally open the Gordie Howe Bridge between Windsor and Detroit, that politicians on both sides of the border cool their jets and listen to the wisdom of the guy for whom the bridge is named.

Article content

Recommended Videos

Article content

Howe played 25 seasons for the Detroit Red Wings. He was known not just for his hockey prowess. Mr. Hockey was remarkable for his all-round decency. The bridge spanning the mighty Detroit River was supposed to echo his civility and be an example of the enduring cooperation between two great nations.

Now, the federal government has bowed out of the upcoming official ribbon-cutting ceremony, citing U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent threat of 50% tariffs on a slew of Canadian goods. It’s not unreasonable for them to skip the pleasantries. It was a provocative move at a sensitive time.

While we remember Howe for his courtesy, we should also remember that Number 9 was no pushover. He didn’t put up with nonsense.

“If you find you can push someone around, then you push him around,” he said of his playing style. Words to live by when we still don’t have the full details of what concessions Prime Minister Mark Carney made on the deal to open the bridge. Its $6.4-billion cost was borne entirely by Canada. This country was supposed to recoup the costs through the tolls before splitting revenues with Michigan.

Article content

Now, there’s a different deal, but hair-splitting about what was conceded by Canada makes it difficult to find out what we gave up.

Howe was known for the quiet way he observed his opponents on ice.

“You never learn anything if you’re the one talking,” he said. Sound advice for politicians of all stripes.

And he had words of caution for leaders who shoot from the lip: “I always tell kids you have two eyes and one mouth. Keep two open and one closed.”

Finally, on bilingualism: “All hockey players are bilingual. They speak English and profanity” was a favourite saying. No need for translation.

If our leaders had an ounce of Howe’s class and common sense, the bridge would have been opened months ago, and we’d be feting its success with friends — on both sides of the border.

Read More

1. 

   EDITORIAL: Carney’s best weapon is Trump

2. 

   EDITORIAL: Tariffs and taxes don’t stop wildfires

Article content