Canadian officials have announced they will not attend the opening ceremony of the Gordie Howe International Bridge on Friday, citing new tariff threats from the United States.
In a statement released by the Infrastructure Minister’s office, it was noted that the trade action threatened earlier this week makes it inappropriate to hold a celebratory event between the two countries.
Despite the withdrawal of Canadian officials, the federal government has confirmed it remains committed to the bridge opening, which is scheduled for Monday.
The bridge, a 2.5‑kilometre crossing linking Windsor to Detroit, carries a construction cost of $6.4 billion and has experienced multiple delays, most recently extending the opening by a month.
A dispute over revenue sharingPortuguese has prolonged the project. The original agreement was deemed unacceptable, leading to renegotiations that have yet to resolve the final financial terms.
The United States has announced a 50 percent tariff on Canadian goods in response to perceived discriminatory practices regarding alcohol, vehicles, and dairy imports.
Attendees expected to be present at the ceremony include the U.S. Ambassador, the internal trade minister, and the Canadian ambassador to the United States.
Windsor’s mayor expressed confidence that the bridge’s long‑term economic benefits will remain significant, emphasizing the enduring legacy of the namesake’s dedication and respect.
The event marks a milestone in cross‑border cooperation, though it proceeds under the shadow of ongoing trade tensions.
