Canada marked the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge on Friday with a ceremony on the Windsor, Ontario, side alone, after relations with the United States were strained by a dispute over how tolls would be shared and by new U.S. tariff threats. A planned cross-border ribbon-cutting that would have included American participation was canceled.
The Canadian event brought together invited guests on the domestic approach to the bridge, with members of Gordie Howe’s family in attendance. Guests were served fruit cups and pastries while children played hockey at the gathering, which paid tribute to the celebrated Canadian hockey player for whom the crossing is named. Organizers requested that attendees wear red and white "to show Canadian pride," and those present were not permitted to proceed to the U.S. side of the structure during the ceremony.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford addressed the crowd, saying that the bilateral relationship had become more difficult because of President Donald Trump’s tariffs, but added that the new bridge represented "an example of what we can achieve when our two great countries work together." Ford, wearing a red Team Canada hockey jersey bearing Howe’s No. 9, said Ontario would not back down in its dealings with the United States.
The celebratory tone was undercut by ongoing trade negotiations and a U.S. threat earlier in the week to impose 50% tariffs on Canadian goods. The article notes that Canada sends roughly 70% of its exports to the United States, a factor that has heightened attention on the tariff discussions.
Canada fully financed the $4.7 billion bridge project, which began construction in 2018 and had been scheduled to open in June. The Gordie Howe International Bridge is designed to provide a faster alternative to the existing Ambassador Bridge spanning the Detroit River. Officials have said the new crossing will open to vehicle traffic on Monday.
Contextual note: The ceremony took place solely on the Canadian side following cancellation of a joint ribbon-cutting and against the background of unresolved issues over toll sharing and potential tariffs.