WASHINGTON: Canada has cancelled a planned joint ceremony with the United States to mark the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge after US President Donald Trump announced a 50 per cent tariff on most Canadian goods, significantly escalating trade tensions between the neighbouring countries.
The bridge, which links Detroit in the US state of Michigan with Windsor in Ontario, is still expected to open to traffic on 27 July, but the joint inauguration scheduled for Friday has been abandoned.
Canadian officials said it would be inappropriate to hold a shared celebration while Washington was threatening new trade measures.
“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, spokesperson for Canada’s Infrastructure Minister Gregor Robertson.
She confirmed that Canada would instead hold its own ceremony on Friday, while the United States has yet to announce whether it will organise a separate event.
Despite the diplomatic setback, both sides remain committed to opening the bridge as planned. However, according to AP, US officials, speaking anonymously because they were not authorised to discuss internal deliberations, acknowledged that uncertainty has increased following the latest dispute.
The latest row follows President Trump’s decision to impose sweeping tariffs on Canadian imports, accusing Canada of maintaining unfair trade practices affecting American automobiles, dairy products and alcoholic beverages. The White House said the tariffs would come into effect in 30 days, allowing time for possible negotiations.
The bridge project itself had already faced delays. A ribbon-cutting ceremony originally planned for June 12 was postponed after both governments said they were still working to resolve outstanding bilateral issues.
Canada financed the construction of the bridge under an agreement that allows it to recover the project’s costs through toll revenue. The Trump administration has reportedly sought revisions to that arrangement.
Construction of the 2.4-kilometre bridge began in 2018 under an agreement negotiated during the tenure of former Michigan Governor Rick Snyder. The project has cost nearly $4.4 billion and is widely regarded as one of North America’s most significant cross-border infrastructure developments.
Named after legendary Canadian ice hockey player Gordie Howe, who spent 25 seasons with the Detroit Red Wings, the bridge is expected to become a vital commercial gateway, strengthening trade and transport links between Canada and the United States.
Earlier this year, President Trump also called for the United States to obtain at least a 50 per cent ownership stake in the bridge, alongside other unspecified conditions, as part of his broader disputes with Canada over trade and economic policy.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney reiterated his government’s commitment to free and fair trade, saying Ottawa remains willing to negotiate with Washington in an effort to avoid further escalation.
Meanwhile, Ontario Premier Doug Ford urged a firm response, saying Canada should retaliate with matching tariffs if the US measures are implemented.
The latest developments have raised concerns that the dispute could evolve into a wider trade conflict between the two long-standing allies.
