Canada to mark Gordie Howe bridge opening amid U.S. trade tensions

Canada is proceeding with an opening ceremony for the Gordie Howe International Bridge on Friday in Windsor, Ontario, but the event will be a Canadian-only affair. Initially planned as a joint celebration with the United States, the ceremony's tone shifted after U.S. President Donald Trump announced new tariffs on Canadian goods. The bridge, which establishes a second vital connection between Michigan and Ontario, is scheduled to open for traffic on Monday.

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Our gratitude goes to all the staff, workers, partners, and community members who were involved.

Federal Housing and Infrastructure Minister Gregor Robertson will represent the federal government, joined by Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkins. Prime Minister Mark Carney will not attend, as he is visiting a national park. Robertson's office stated that "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."

This decision follows Trump's earlier threat in February to block the bridge's opening. He declared on social media, "I will not allow this bridge to open until the United States is fully compensated for everything we have given them, and also, importantly, Canada treats the United States with the Fairness and Respect that we deserve. We will start negotiations, IMMEDIATELY."

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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.

Canada fully financed the bridge's construction, though it is jointly owned by Canada and the state of Michigan. An agreement in principle regarding revenue sharing was announced on July 10 by Robertson and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, paving the way for the July 27 opening. However, details released by the federal government about the revenue collection and sharing appear to contradict some of Prime Minister Carney's previous statements regarding financial arrangements and U.S. returns before Canadian debt repayment.

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I will not allow this bridge to open until the United States is fully compensated for everything we have given them, and also, importantly, Canada treats the United States with the Fairness and Respect that we deserve. We will start negotiations, IMMEDIATELY.