Trump's tariff threat leads to Canada-only Gordie Howe Bridge opening ceremony
The Gordie Howe International Bridge will open to traffic on July 27, but a ceremony scheduled for July 24 will be limited to Canadian officials after President Trump announced new tariffs on Canadian goods.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order on July 20 that threatens to raise U.S. tariffs on a range of Canadian imports, including wine, cement and hockey sticks, from 25% to 50% pending a review of alleged trade discrimination. The move has prompted Canadian officials to cancel a joint U.S.-Canada celebration for the Gordie Howe International Bridge and hold a Canada-only ceremony on July 24.
The $4.7 billion bridge linking Detroit and Windsor is still slated to open to traffic on Monday, July 27. The Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority announced the Canadian ceremony, which will feature Infrastructure Minister Gregor Robertson, but no U.S. or Michigan officials are expected to attend.
"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," Jenna Ghassabeh, spokesperson for the Canadian Housing and Infrastructure Minister, said in a statement.
Justin Trudeau described the tariff proposal as a violation of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer expressed concern that the tariff announcement could affect the state's economy, adding, "I sure hope not" regarding any further delay to the bridge opening.
U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell praised the bridge, calling Canada "our neighbor, friend, and indispensable partner" and said she looks forward to the opening serving as a reminder of the ties that unite the two nations.
The bridge, jointly owned by Canada and Michigan under a 2012 agreement, will generate revenue that is split between the partners, with a portion earmarked for an economic development fund on the U.S. side and shared oversight of toll rates.