Canada Cancels Joint Ceremony as US Tariffs Prompt Bridge Revenue‑Sharing Deal

Canada announced it will hold a solo ceremony for the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge after President Donald Trump threatened 50 % tariffs on a range of Canadian goods. The $6.4 billion bridge, fully funded by Canada, will open to traffic on 27 July, but a newly disclosed agreement will require Canada to remit 50 % of net toll revenues to a U.S.–controlled development fund for the first 15 years.

Prime Minister Mark Carney faced sharp criticism for earlier statements that the toll‑sharing would only begin after the bridge’s construction debt was repaid. He later acknowledged he could have explained the terms more clearly, while opposition MPs called the government’s handling a “lie” and demanded an investigation. The bridge opening will be marked by a Canada‑only event on 24 July, with the joint U.S.–Canada ceremony cancelled in response to the tariff threat.

The dispute reflects broader U.S. trade pressure on Canada, including a new 50 % tariff slate covering products such as honey, wine, cement and dairy. The revenue‑sharing deal also gives the United States veto power over toll increases above 10 % and a role in setting rates, raising concerns about Canadian sovereignty over the infrastructure.