Privatizing public assets could be dangerous, according to Sarnia-Lambton's MP.
Michigan House Republicans recently said they are considering selling their portion of the Blue Water Bridge to raise money to fix the state's deteriorating roads. The move could fetch as much as $800 million in one-time funding.
MP Marilyn Gladu said while they've had no issues with the privatization of the Ambassador Bridge, governments may be less likely to help private operators with problems that arise.
"We saw it with the Sombra Ferry," said Gladu. "There's a private owner and, when there was a problem, the government didn't want to act. That's in part because it was a private owner. You wouldn't want to get into a situation where the bridge is partly owned by a private owner who, because of that, their government won't take action to help them out."
Gladu also said there's always the risk of private companies going bankrupt or not conforming to international agreements that are already in place.
She said she believes Canada's current system of using gas tax money for road and infrastructure repairs is effective.
Municipalities are getting about $2.2 billion of gas tax revenues this year.
The Federal Bridge Corporation Limited (FBCL) owns and operates the Canadian portion of the Blue Water Bridge, as well as three other international crossings.
Director of Communications Todd Kealey called the developments in Michigan an internal matter and said they don't anticipate any changes in operation of the bridge now or in the foreseeable future.
He referred to the Blue Water Bridge as a crown jewel that they intend to continue to invest in.
-With files from Dave Dentinger
