Canada holds solo opening of Gordie Howe bridge after US tariff spat

The Gordie Howe International Bridge between Windsor and Detroit opened in Canada-only ceremonies after Ottawa disinvited US officials following a tariff threat by US President Donald Trump, Prime Minister Mark Carney said; the project, paid by Canada at C$6.4bn, will now share toll revenues with the United States under a new arrangement.

Canada financed the C$6.4bn ($4.5bn; £3.4bn) bridge after agreeing nearly 15 years ago to cover construction costs to bypass US political resistance, with ownership to be shared between Ottawa and Michigan. The crossing supports more than C$1bn ($710m; £530m) in daily trade between Windsor and Detroit.

Earlier this year, President Trump said he would block the bridge’s opening until Canada agreed to “share authority” and ownership. In response, Canada accepted a US request to delay the ceremony and agreed to split half of the bridge revenues for 15 years with an economic development fund controlled by the US government, while maintaining an underlying revenue-recapture agreement with the state of Michigan, Carney said.

The privately owned Ambassador Bridge, the busiest commercial crossing in North America, has been a source of opposition from the Moroun family in Michigan. Reports also noted meetings between a Moroun family donor and US officials prior to the president’s statements.

Liberal News Analysis: What Does This Development Mean?

The inauguration proceeded without US participation after the White House linked opening to new terms. Canada negotiated a revenue-sharing concession in parallel to the existing state agreement to secure the bridge’s operation. Political figures on both sides of the border publicly debated the terms and implications, with differing views among provincial leaders and opposition MPs.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford praised the deal as necessary to open the span, while critics argued the concessions reflected negotiating weakness. Officials emphasized the bridge’s economic importance for supply chains and cross-border commerce.

Quick Glance: What You Need to Know

• Canada opened the Gordie Howe International Bridge without US officials after a tariff-related dispute.
• Canada paid C$6.4bn to build the bridge and the crossing handles over C$1bn in daily trade.
• Canada agreed to share half the bridge revenues for 15 years with a US-controlled economic development fund while maintaining the Michigan revenue agreement.