OTTAWA -- The opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge has been delayed as the relationship between Canada and the United States continues to be upended by U.S. President Donald Trump.
The interim chief executive of the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority said Thursday that Canada and the U.S. have agreed to a delay as the two countries attempt to "resolve any outstanding issues."
Prime Minister Mark Carney said Tuesday the bridge would be open by the end of the week. But he changed his message on Wednesday, saying that while there is "no big drama" surrounding the project, if it "takes a little longer, it will take a little bit longer."
Invitations already had been sent out for a ribbon cutting event on Friday to mark the opening of the $6.4-billion bridge connecting Windsor and Detroit. Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens said it would be open to traffic on Monday.
Trump said in February the U.S. would need to be compensated before he would allow the bridge to open. White House officials said this week that the president's position was unchanged.
"Although we would all like the Gordie Howe Bridge to open, Canada need not fall on bent knee to make it happen. Get us a great trade deal (Carney)!" Dilkens wrote in a statement shared on social media Thursday morning.
The Gordie Howe Bridge is co-owned by the governments of Canada and Michigan.
The bridge's construction was paid for in full by Canada. After the federal government recovers those costs from bridge tolls, the toll revenue will be shared with Michigan.
The bridge has faced significant pushback from members of the Moroun family, who own the competing Ambassador Bridge. House Democrats in Washington are looking into whether the family acted to obstruct the new bridge.
A Canadian source with knowledge of the planning who is not authorized to speak publicly about it said all signs the federal government had received indicated the bridge was cleared to open.
The source said the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority — a Canadian Crown corporation responsible for the construction and administration of the bridge — has all the technical approvals it needs to proceed.
— With files from Kelly Malone in Washington.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published on June 11, 2026