Canada plans separate bridge ceremony Friday
Canada said Tuesday it will not participate in a joint U.S.-Canada ceremony to mark the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, withdrawing from the planned Friday event after President Donald Trump announced a 50% tariff on most Canadian goods.
In announcing the tariffs, Trump accused Canada of unfairly discriminating against U.S. automobiles, alcohol and dairy products.
“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,” Jenna Ghassabeh, a spokesperson for Canadian Infrastructure Minister Gregor Robertson, said in an emailed statement.
Canada now plans to hold its own ceremony Friday. It is unclear whether the United States will hold a separate event.
U.S. and Canadian officials had reached an agreement earlier this month to open the Gordie Howe International Bridge following delays tied to disagreements between the two countries.