The Canadian government has cancelled a joint ribbon-cutting ceremony with the United States for the Gordie Howe International Bridge, scheduled for 24 July, after President Donald Trump announced new 50% tariffs on Canadian goods. A spokesperson for Infrastructure Minister Gregor Robertson said it would be “inappropriate to proceed with a celebratory event between the two countries” given the trade threats. The bridge itself remains on track to open to vehicle traffic on 27 July, but the event will now be a Canadian-only celebration. The decision was communicated to invitees on Tuesday afternoon, according to sources close to the planning.

From Ottawa, the move is presented as a direct response to the White House’s tariff escalation, which the US administration says is retaliation for Canadian policies it deems discriminatory against American automobiles, dairy products and alcohol. Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed he spoke with Trump on Tuesday morning and that both sides agreed to intensify trade negotiations. In Washington, no official comment has been issued on the ceremony’s cancellation. Two US officials, speaking anonymously, said they still expect the bridge to open on 27 July but are less certain than before. The US ambassador to Canada, Pete Hoekstra, had previously indicated a joint event would take place, but the Michigan governor’s office and the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority have not responded to requests for comment.

The cancellation is the latest disruption to a project that has become entangled in bilateral trade disputes. A June inauguration was postponed after the Trump administration sought to renegotiate the 2012 agreement under which Canada financed the $6.4 billion crossing and would recover costs through toll revenue. In February, Trump threatened to block the opening entirely, demanding half-ownership for the US. A new revenue-sharing deal was announced on 10 July, but its terms remain unpublished, causing confusion. According to a Canadian government source, the agreement splits net toll revenues for 15 years, with the US share directed to a Michigan economic development fund and Canada’s share servicing construction debt. The bridge, named after hockey legend Gordie Howe, was built to supplement the privately owned Ambassador Bridge, which handled $126 billion in truck-borne trade in 2023.

Viewed from Ottawa, the decision to hold a separate ceremony signals displeasure without endangering the infrastructure project itself. Ontario Premier Doug Ford has called for dollar-for-dollar retaliation if the tariffs proceed. The 50% duties are set to take effect in 30 days, leaving a window for further talks. Analysts in London note that the episode illustrates how even symbolic cross-border cooperation is now vulnerable to trade disputes. The bridge is expected to open as planned on 27 July, while trade negotiations continue in parallel.