Key facts
- President Donald Trump announced plans to impose a 50% tariff on most Canadian goods.
- The tariffs are slated to take effect in 30 days if negotiations fail.
- Canada canceled a joint U.S.-Canada ceremony celebrating the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge.
- The bridge connecting Detroit and Windsor is expected to open to traffic on July 27.
- The tariffs are a response to alleged Canadian discrimination against U.S. automobiles, alcohol, and dairy products.
A planned joint U.S.-Canada ceremony to celebrate the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge has been canceled following President Donald Trump's announcement of a 50% tariff on most Canadian goods. The tariffs, which could take effect in 30 days if negotiations fail, are intended to address alleged Canadian discrimination against U.S. automobiles, alcohol, and dairy products.
Jenna Ghassabeh, a spokesperson for Canadian Infrastructure Minister Gregor Robertson, stated that it would be inappropriate to proceed with a celebratory event given the threatened U.S. trade action. Canada now plans to hold its own ceremony for the bridge, which spans the Detroit River connecting Detroit and Windsor, Ontario. The bridge is still expected to open to traffic on July 27.
President Trump had previously demanded significant ownership changes and other concessions related to the bridge agreement. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed belief in free and fair trade and readiness to negotiate, while Ontario Premier Doug Ford suggested Canada should respond with reciprocal tariffs if the U.S. proceeds with its plan. The bridge's construction cost nearly $4.4 billion, and it is named after hockey legend Gordie Howe.