Canada has cancelled a planned joint ceremony with the United States to celebrate the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, following President Donald Trump's announcement of a 50% tariff on most Canadian goods. The move escalates trade tensions between the two close allies.
Ceremony cancelled amid tariff dispute
Jenna Ghassabeh, a spokesperson for Canada's infrastructure minister, Gregor Robertson, said in an emailed statement: "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." The ceremony had been scheduled for Friday to mark the opening of the bridge connecting Detroit, Michigan, and Windsor, Ontario.
Canada now plans to hold its own ceremony on Friday, while it remains unclear whether the United States will hold a separate event. Two US 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.
Bridge details and construction
The 1.5-mile-long (2.4 km) bridge spans the Detroit River and has been under construction since 2018, with a total cost of nearly $4.4 billion. It is named after Canadian hockey legend Gordie Howe, who played 25 seasons with the Detroit Red Wings. The bridge is expected to become a major economic artery between the two countries.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony had initially been scheduled for June 12 but was postponed due to unresolved issues between the US and Canada. Canada financed the bridge under an agreement allowing it to recover costs through toll revenue, but the Trump administration sought changes to that arrangement.
Trump's tariff threat and trade tensions
Trump announced the 50% tariff, accusing Canada of unfairly discriminating against US automobiles, alcohol, and dairy products. The White House said the tariffs would take effect in 30 days, leaving room for negotiations. Trump has previously delayed or backed away from some threatened import taxes.
In February, Trump demanded in a social media post that Canada give the US government at least half ownership of the bridge, part of his broader clashes with Canada over trade. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said his government believes in the benefits of free and fair trade and remains prepared to negotiate.
Potential trade war escalation
The tariffs could escalate into a broader trade war as Canada weighs its response. Ontario Premier Doug Ford posted on social media: "If these tariffs proceed, Canada should respond tariff for tariff, dollar for dollar." The situation remains fluid, with both sides leaving room for negotiation.
