Skip to Content Subscribe Our Offers My Account Manage My Subscriptions FAQ Newsletters Canada Canadian True Crime Canadian Politics Health World Israel & Middle East Financial Post NP Comment Longreads Puzzmo Diversions Comics NP News Quiz New York Times Crossword Horoscopes Life Eating & Drinking Style Sponsored Play for Ontario Travel Travel Canada Travel USA Travel International Cruises Travel Essentials Culture Books Celebrity Movies Music Theatre Television Business Essentials Advice Lives Told Tails Told Shopping Buy Canadian Home Living Outdoor Living Kitchen & Dining Tech Style & Beauty Personal Care Entertainment & Hobbies Gift Guide Travel Guide Amazon Prime Day Deals Savings National Post Store More Sports Hockey Baseball Basketball Football Soccer Golf Tennis Driving Vehicle Research Reviews News Gear Guide Obituaries Place an Obituary Place an In Memoriam Classifieds Place an Ad Celebrations Working Business Ads Archives Healthing Epaper Manage Print Subscription Profile Settings My Subscriptions Saved Articles My Offers Newsletters Customer Service FAQ Newsletters Canada World Financial Post NP Comment Longreads Puzzmo Diversions Life Shopping Epaper Manage Print Subscription HomeNewsCanadaCanadian PoliticsCanada nixes cross-border celebrations for Gordie Howe Bridge opening after new tariffs'In light of trade action threatened by the United States earlier this week, it would be inappropriate to proceed with a celebratory event' You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account.The Gordie Howe International Bridge seen from Windsor, Ont., on Monday, July 13, 2026. Photo by Dan Janisse/Windsor Star/PostmediaOTTAWA — Canada will not be taking part in cross-border celebrations to highlight the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge next week, the government has announced.Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.Exclusive articles by Conrad Black, Barbara Kay and others. Plus, special edition NP Platformed and First Reading newsletters and virtual events.Unlimited online access to National Post.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.Support local journalism.Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.Exclusive articles by Conrad Black, Barbara Kay and others. Plus, special edition NP Platformed and First Reading newsletters and virtual events.Unlimited online access to National Post.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.Support local journalism.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an Accountor“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,” said Jenna Ghassabeh, director of communications for the minister of housing and infrastructure, in a statement sent late Tuesday afternoon.The bridge is scheduled to open to vehicle traffic on Monday, July 27.This is the first snub from Canada after the Trump administration announced Monday its intention to apply a 50 per cent tariff on certain Canadian goods starting a month from now to respond to what it views as Canada’s unfair trade practices when it comes to dairy quotas, U.S. alcohol bans in some provinces and tariff quotas on American autos.“The Gordie Howe International Bridge remains a vital infrastructure project that reflects years of hard work and will be a major economic driver in the region, expanding options for commuters, tourists, businesses, and families,” Ghassabeh said.She added that while Canada remains “committed” to opening the bridge on July 27, as planned, Canadians will be celebrating this milestone among themselves on Friday, July 24.An invitation to Friday’s Gordie Howe Bridge inauguration in Windsor circulating this week shows that it is intended for “key supporters” of the project. The event will feature “government, bridge leaders and other guests” who will be “celebrating” its opening.The Gordie Howe Bridge began construction in 2018 to address the congestion of the privately-owned Ambassador Bridge. Canada financed the new connector at a cost of $6.4 billion, and an agreement was struck at the time with Michigan to allow Canada to receive all the revenue until it could recover its costs.But in February, U.S. President Donald Trump said he did not agree with the terms of the deal and blocked an opening ceremony that was scheduled to take place in June.After some negotiation behind closed doors, the Canadian government announced earlier this month that a new agreement had been reached to open the bridge on July 27.The details of the new agreement struck with the Trump administration however are murky, which has led to opposition parties asking to release the deal publicly.— With files from Jordan Gowling.National Post calevesque@postmedia.comOur website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark nationalpost.com and sign up for our newsletters here. Join the Conversation This website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more about cookies here. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.