Canada Cancels Joint Bridge Opening Ceremony with U.S. After Trump Tariffs
Canada has cancelled a planned joint ceremony with the United States to celebrate the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, after President Donald Trump announced a 50% tariff on most Canadian goods. The decision was confirmed by a spokesperson for Canadian Infrastructure Minister Gregor Robertson.
"In light of trade action threatened by the United States earlier this week, it would be inappropriate to proceed with a celebratory event between the two countries," said Jenna Ghassabeh in an emailed statement.
The tariffs, announced on Monday, target Canadian automobiles, alcohol, and dairy products, and have further strained relations between the two neighbours. The bridge, which connects Detroit, Michigan, with Windsor, Ontario, spans the Detroit River and is 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometres) long. Its opening had been delayed due to disagreements between the two nations. A ribbon-cutting ceremony originally scheduled for June 12 was postponed as officials worked to resolve "outstanding issues."
Canada financed the construction of the bridge under an agreement that allows it to recover costs through toll revenue. The Trump administration had sought changes to that arrangement. In February, Mr. Trump demanded that Canada give the U.S. government at least half ownership of the bridge and meet other unspecified demands.
Canada now plans to hold its own ceremony on July 24. It remains unclear whether the United States will hold a separate event. Two U.S. officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said they still expect the bridge to open to traffic on July 27 but are less certain than before the tariff announcement.
"We remain committed to opening the bridge on July 27th, and to celebrating this milestone among Canadians on July 24th," said Ms. Ghassabeh.
The White House stated that the tariffs would take effect in 30 days, leaving time for negotiations. Mr. Trump has previously delayed or backed away from some threatened import taxes. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said his government believes in the "benefits of free and fair trade" and remains prepared to negotiate with the Trump administration.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford warned that if tariffs proceed, "Canada should respond tariff for tariff, dollar for dollar." The tariffs could escalate into a broader trade war as Canada weighs its response.
The project, negotiated under former Michigan Governor Rick Snyder, has been under construction since 2018 and cost nearly $4.4 billion. The bridge is named after Canadian hockey legend Gordie Howe, who spent 25 seasons with the Detroit Red Wings. It is expected to become a major economic artery between the two countries.
