No cross

No cross-border ceremony for Gordie Howe bridge in light of U.S. trade threats: minister

Government 'committed' to bridge opening as planned July 27

Canada will celebrate the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge this week, the federal minister of infrastructure's office said Tuesday — but there will not be a celebration with the United States.

"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," said Jenna Ghassabeh, director of communications with Minister Gregor Robertson's office.

But the government is "committed" to the bridge opening July 27, the emailed statement said.

Will the Gordie Howe bridge still be testament to a successful friendship?

Canada will celebrate the "milestone among Canadians on July 24."

Local dignitaries, including Windsor's mayor and the area's former longtime NDP MP, reported they had been invited to Friday's event.

It's not the first time there's been a change to the opening ceremonies for this bridge: In June, public officials were set to attend a similar ceremonial event on a Friday when federal officials announced it was being delayed at the request of the U.S.

According to Robertson's office, the agreements to open the bridge remain in place.

"The Canada-Michigan Crossing Agreement and the recently negotiated parallel Agreement in Principle between Canada and the United States remain unchanged," the emailed statement said.

With files from David Cochrane and Kathleen Saylors