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Canada on Tuesday called off a joint celebration with the United States to mark the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, following renewed tariff threats from President Donald Trump.
The bridge — which connects Detroit and Windsor, Ontario — was named after legendary Canadian hockey player Gordie Howe who played for the Detroit Red Wings, symbolizing the longstanding relationship between the two countries.
Trump on Monday announced plans to impose a 50% tariff on certain Canadian imports, citing what officials called trade discrimination against American companies in the dairy, auto and alcohol industries. The White House said Canada’s policies gave foreign competitors an unfair advantage.
“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,” Jenna Ghassabeh, a spokesperson for Canadian Infrastructure Minister Gregor Robertson, told Reuters in a statement.
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The bridge was scheduled to open to traffic next Monday, and American and Canadian officials were expected to attend a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens previously told local media, according to Reuters.
Ghassabeh confirmed to Reuters that the bridge will still open next week, but the celebration will be held only “among Canadians.”
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The multibillion-bridge project has faced multiple setbacks amid strained relations between the United States and Canada.
In February, Trump threatened to block the project after accusing Canada of unfair trade practices and criticizing its relationship with China. He cited Ontario’s removal of U.S. alcohol products from its liquor store shelves as an example of what he described as unfair treatment.
The bridge opening was later cleared to proceed after the U.S. and Canada reached a deal on how tolls would be charged to drivers earlier this month.
The new bridge is expected to ease traffic on the privately owned Ambassador Bridge, the largest commercial border crossing between the two countries, which also connects Detroit and Windsor.
The port of entry handled $126 billion in trade carried by commercial trucks in 2023, Reuters reported.
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