Doug Ford celebrated the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge as Canada and the United States navigate new trade tensions.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford led a Canadian celebration on Friday to mark the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, a $4.7 billion project connecting Windsor, Ontario, and Detroit, Michigan. While the bridge opens to traffic on Monday, the ribbon-cutting ceremony was held exclusively by Canadians following a diplomatic rift with the United States. The administration announced 50 percent tariffs on Canadian goods this week, leading Canada to "disinvite" U.S. officials from the primary ceremony. Despite the tension, Doug Ford emphasized that the bridge serves as a symbol of cooperation between the two nations. The bridge provides a faster alternative to the existing Ambassador Bridge and will eventually share toll revenues with the U.S. government for 15 years. The project was completed despite threats from President Trump to block it due to trade disputes. While the administration secured a deal for 50 percent of the profit, Canada maintains that it will be reimbursed for construction costs before the U.S. receives its full share of the revenue.