A planned joint US-Canada ceremony celebrating the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge connecting Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, is no longer expected to take place after US President Donald Trump announced a 50% tariff on most Canadian goods.
In announcing the tariffs, Trump accused Canada of unfairly discriminating against US automobiles, alcohol and dairy products, escalating tensions with one of the United States' closest allies.
"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, a spokesperson for Canadian Infrastructure Minister Gregor Robertson, in an emailed statement.
The move came after US and Canadian officials reached an agreement earlier this month to open the Gordie Howe International Bridge following delays tied to disagreements between the two countries.
Canada now plans to hold its own ceremony on Friday. It was unclear whether the United States would hold a separate ceremony.
Two US officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations said they still expected the bridge to open to traffic July 27 but were less certain than they were before.
"We remain committed to opening the bridge on July 27th, and to celebrating this milestone among Canadians on July 24th," said Ghassabeh.
The 2.4km long bridge spans the Detroit River and connects Detroit with Windsor. A ribbon-cutting ceremony had initially been scheduled for June 12 but was abruptly postponed after officials said the United States and Canada were still working to resolve "outstanding issues".
Canada paid for the bridge, Trump demanded half ownership
Canada financed construction of the bridge under an agreement allowing it to recover the cost through toll revenue. The Trump administration had sought changes to that arrangement.
The project, negotiated under former Michigan Governor Rick Snyder, has been under construction since 2018 and cost nearly US$4.4 billion (NZ$7.5 billion).
The bridge is named after Canadian hockey great Gordie Howe, who spent 25 seasons with the Detroit Red Wings. It is expected to become another major economic artery between Canada and the United States.
In February, Trump demanded in a social media post that Canada give the US government at least half ownership of the bridge and agree to other unspecified demands, part of his broader clashes with Canada over trade.
Those tensions resurfaced this week. The White House said the tariffs would take effect in 30 days, leaving time for negotiations. Trump has previously delayed or backed away from some threatened import taxes.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said in a statement about the tariffs that his government believes in the "benefits of free and fair trade" and remains prepared to negotiate with the Trump administration.
The tariffs could escalate into a broader trade war as Canada weighs how to respond.
"If these tariffs proceed, Canada should respond tariff for tariff, dollar for dollar," Ontario Premier Doug Ford posted on social media.
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