The Gordie Howe Bridge under construction between Windsor, Ont., and Detroit on May 22.Paul Sancya/The Canadian Press
The federal government says that in light of U.S. President Donald Trump’s latest tariff threats, Canada will not be celebrating the opening of the Gordie Howe International bridge with the United States.
A statement from Infrastructure Minister Gregor Robertson’s office says it would be “inappropriate” to proceed with the cross-border event that was scheduled for Friday.
A Canada-only celebration is expected to take place Friday and the bridge is still set to open next Monday.
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Sources with knowledge of the event, who spoke on condition they not be named, say the decision was made earlier today and attendees were notified in the afternoon.
Trump said Monday he was going to hit an array of Canadian products with 50 per cent tariffs in 30 days.
The bridge’s opening was delayed previously after the Trump administration sought to renegotiate the bridge deal following pushback from the billionaire Moroun family, which owns the competing Ambassador Bridge and is a significant Republican donor.