Canada cancels bridge inauguration event with US

Canada cancels the inauguration event for a bridge connecting to the US, which was expected to be attended by officials from both sides, due to Mr. Trump's tariff threat.

Canada has canceled a celebratory event for the Gordie Howe Bridge, citing the recent threat of trade measures from the United States. The inauguration, which was planned for 24/7 with officials from both nations, was deemed "inappropriate" by the canadian government.

"Given the trade measures that the US threatened to impose earlier this week, continuing to hold a celebratory event between the two countries is inappropriate", Jenna Ghassabeh, spokesperson for Canadian Minister of Infrastructure Gregor Robertson, stated on 21/7. Despite the cancellation of the joint ceremony, Canada remains committed to opening the bridge as scheduled and will proceed with a domestic inauguration.

The Gordie Howe Bridge, connecting Windsor, Ontario, Canada, with Detroit, Michigan, US, is set to open to traffic on 27/7. This 4,7 billion USD infrastructure project, named after the Detroit Red Wings hockey legend, was initially expected to be operational from june. Its completion was contingent on an agreement regarding toll fees between the US and Canada, which was finalized this month.

The cancellation follows President Donald Trump's announcement on 20/7 of a 50% tariff on numerous imported goods from Canada. This move was a response to allegations that Canada discriminates against US-made cars, alcoholic beverages, and dairy products. In february, Mr. Trump had previously threatened to block the bridge project, citing Canada's alleged refusal to sell certain US alcoholic beverages, its tariffs on US dairy products, and its trade negotiations with China.

Once operational, the Gordie Howe Bridge is anticipated to alleviate truck traffic currently routed through the Ambassador Bridge into Detroit. The Ambassador Bridge is the largest land border crossing for freight transport between the US and Canada, having handled 126 billion USD worth of goods transported by commercial trucks in 2023.