In a surprising turn of events on Tuesday, Canada decided to halt a planned joint celebration with the United States for the official opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge. This decision came after President Donald Trump issued renewed threats to impose tariffs.
This iconic bridge, connecting Detroit in the U.S. with Windsor in Ontario, Canada, bears the name of Gordie Howe, the legendary hockey player known for his days with the Detroit Red Wings. Its name reflects the deep-rooted bond between the two neighboring countries.
On Monday, Trump made headlines by proposing a 50% tariff on specific Canadian goods. This move came in response to what his administration described as unfair trade practices affecting American sectors like dairy, automobiles, and alcohol. According to the White House, Canada’s current trade policies disadvantage U.S. businesses by favoring foreign competitors.
Jenna Ghassabeh, speaking for Canadian Infrastructure Minister Gregor Robertson, conveyed in a statement to Reuters, “Given the recent trade threats issued by the United States, holding a joint celebration between our two nations would be inappropriate at this time.”
Back in February, President Trump had already hinted at blocking the Gordie Howe International Bridge’s opening unless Canada engaged in tariff negotiations with the United States. (Getty Images)
The bridge was scheduled to open to traffic next Monday, and American and Canadian officials were expected to attend a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens previously told local media, according to Reuters.
Ghassabeh confirmed to Reuters that the bridge will still open next week, but the celebration will be held only “among Canadians.”
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney speaks during a press conference at the National Press Theatre in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada on July 30, 2025. (DAVE CHAN/AFP via Getty Images)
The multibillion-bridge project has faced multiple setbacks amid strained relations between the United States and Canada.
In February, Trump threatened to block the project after accusing Canada of unfair trade practices and criticizing its relationship with China. He cited Ontario’s removal of U.S. alcohol products from its liquor store shelves as an example of what he described as unfair treatment.
The bridge opening was later cleared to proceed after the U.S. and Canada reached a deal on how tolls would be charged to drivers earlier this month.
The Gordie Howe International Bridge, under construction to link Detroit, Michigan, with Windsor, Ontario, as seen in a drone image taken from Windsor, Ontario, Canada, February 10, 2026. (REUTERS/Dax Melmer/File Photo)
The new bridge is expected to ease traffic on the privately owned Ambassador Bridge, the largest commercial border crossing between the two countries, which also connects Detroit and Windsor.
The port of entry handled $126 billion in trade carried by commercial trucks in 2023, Reuters reported.