Trump pats himself on the back during Canada-only bridge opening ceremony

After more than seven years of construction and $6 .4 billion, a celebration in Windsor to mark the imminent opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge.It's a new link between Ontario and Michigan, but Friday's event was one -sided.Guests wore red and white, played a game of shinny, and American officials were not invited.

Given the recent tariff action from the U .S., we felt that we should focus today on celebrating here in Canada.

The bridge has been plagued by delays.The American owners of the nearby Ambassador Bridge tried to squash the project.Then Donald Trump demanded revised terms.Now the US president is boasting online.Canada disinvited the United States, which is fine, considering they are paying substantial tariffs.Though Canada paid for the bridge, the federal government agreed to share net revenue with the U .

S.for 15 years after operating expenses are paid, an estimated cost of up to $320 million.

This is a good deal.This is a good deal for Canadian businesses, workers.

The goal is to take pressure off the busiest border crossing in the country, cutting wait times for truckers moving everything from fresh food to auto parts.Michael Sprocky says for his company, it's a game changer.

It'll be a substantial amount of savings, not just on time but also fuel.

The bridge was named for Canadian icon Gordie Howe, known as Mr. Hockey, who played 25 seasons with the Detroit Red Wings.

brings joy to me to think of the possibilities of what it will do for just building connection between Canada and United States.

A connection that is strained over in Detroit.Americans feel it too.We are not being good neighbors and that's kind of what this boils down to.

Sorry about whatever is going on.Like we don't hold it personally against each other.

And this new bridge is expected to take almost half of allthat flows through this Wi And that will ramp up slo Monday should be that day.Katie officials say noon is when the crossing is officially open.There's a walking and cycling path that's also open on August 5th.But these days, until you actually start to see the traffic move across the bridge, there's a feeling that it could all change at any time.

All right.Thanks, Nisha.Nisha Patel in Windsor.