DETROIT ~ While the public opening of a bridge connecting the U.S. and Canada is still set to take place next week, the celebration of its opening will be divided across the border due to trade disputes.
The Gordie Howe Bridge, which will connect the cities of Detroit and Windsor, is expected to open to traffic July 27, with a joint U.S.-Canadian opening previously planned for July 24. But after President Donald Trump announced this week that he will implement a 50% tariff on a broad range of Canadian products over claims of “discrimination” towards certain U.S. goods, Canadians pulled back to just celebrating on their side of the border.
“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,” said Jenna Ghassabeh, a spokesperson for Canadian Infrastructure Minister Gregor Robertson.
Ghassabeh clarified that Canada is still committed to opening the bridge on July 27.
This comes after months of delays for the bridge opening after Trump pushed for a new toll deal with Canada, which was reached earlier in July.
