Canada on Tuesday, July 22, 2026, canceled a joint celebration with the United States for the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, which connects Detroit, Michigan, to Windsor, Ontario. The decision came after President Donald Trump announced plans to impose a 50% tariff on certain Canadian imports, citing trade discrimination against American companies in the dairy, auto, and alcohol sectors.
The White House stated that Canadian policies gave foreign competitors an unfair advantage. Jenna Ghassabeh, spokesperson for Canadian Infrastructure Minister Gregor Robertson, told Reuters, "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 bridge, named after Canadian hockey legend Gordie Howe who played for the Detroit Red Wings, was scheduled to open to traffic on Monday, July 27, 2026. American and Canadian officials had been expected to attend a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, July 24, according to Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens.
Earlier in February, Trump had threatened to block the project over accusations of unfair trade practices and concerns about Canada's relationship with China. The port of entry at the bridge handled $126 billion in trade carried by commercial trucks in 2023, highlighting its significance in U.S.-Canada commerce.
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