Yuyun Lusiyani
On the northeast edge of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, a vibrant tradition unfolded in late June, as nearly 1,100 people gathered for the International Bridge Walk across the long span linking the twin cities of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, and Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Under a bright sun, the sentiments of unity were palpable, a stark contrast to the increasingly strained relationship between the United States and Canada. This annual event, a cherished symbol of bilateral friendship, found itself overshadowed by a deepening trade dispute ignited by the administration of President Donald Trump, casting a long shadow over local economies and a historically robust alliance.
A Symbol of Enduring Friendship Amidst Growing Discord
The International Bridge Walk is more than just a physical traverse; it is a profound symbolic gesture of the deep-seated camaraderie shared by these two Sault Ste. Maries, affectionately known as "the Soo" on both sides of the St. Mary’s River. Don Gerrie, mayor of the Michigan Sault, encapsulated this sentiment perfectly, telling the assembled crowd, “We don’t like to say there’s a border there, because we’re twin cities. We’re one family, the countries of Canada and the United States.” His black ballcap, a gift from his Ontario counterpart, bore the flags of both nations alongside the powerful phrases “Stronger Together” and “Allies and Friends,” echoing the spirit of collaboration that has historically defined the longest undefended border in the world.
Participants, adorned in cheerful patriotic attire, underscored this unity. Canadians proudly sported maple leaves on their scarves, socks, shirts, and shorts, while Americans donned star-spangled T-shirts, some heralding the nation’s upcoming 250th birthday. Yet, beneath this festive veneer, a palpable tension lingered. The bridge, a vital artery for commerce and cultural exchange, has seen a significant decline in traffic, a direct consequence of a rapidly deteriorating relationship marked by aggressive tariff impositions and retaliatory measures.
Escalating Tensions: A Chronology of Trade Disputes
The recent escalation in US-Canada trade hostilities has been swift and disruptive. In recent weeks, President Trump threatened new tariffs, ostensibly in retaliation for thick wildfire smoke from Canada wafting into the US. This unusual justification was followed by concrete action: his administration announced an additional 50% tariff on a wide array of Canadian products. The White House, in a fact sheet, cited “Canada’s discriminatory treatment of American products” as the rationale. This was not an isolated incident; using a separate mechanism, the administration then levied a further 10% in tariffs, compounding the economic pressure on Canada.
This aggressive stance stands in stark contrast to earlier periods of bilateral cooperation, even under Trump’s previous term. The Gordie Howe International Bridge, a monumental new publicly owned bridge connecting Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, opened its Canadian-only ceremony on Monday, following delays directly attributable to pressure from the Trump administration. Notably absent from the ribbon-cutting was President Trump himself, despite having previously championed the project. His absence at such a significant infrastructure milestone underscored the chill that has descended upon US-Canada relations.
Furthermore, Michigan’s congressional representative for the region, Rep. Jack Bergman, a Republican, was conspicuously absent from the Sault bridge celebration of international friendship. This is a significant shift, as during Trump’s first term, Bergman had vocally hailed relations with Canada. In 2020, upon his appointment to an interparliamentary group fostering exchange between Canadian and American legislators, he boasted of the Sault bridge as a critical nexus where “millions” crossed annually “to conduct business, shop, work and enjoy what each country has to offer.” Yet, Bergman, who has secured Trump’s endorsement for an upcoming contested primary, has remained virtually silent on the new tariffs and their detrimental impact on his constituents, despite public pressure to speak out. His website’s news section, during Trump’s second term, contains only a brief mention of an infrastructure project and a February 2025 letter concerning a purported Venezuelan gang member crossing the border, notably omitting any discussion of the tariff crisis.
Economic Fallout: A Deep Dive into Michigan’s Losses
The economic repercussions of these tariffs are already deeply felt in Michigan and particularly in the Sault area. Canada has responded with emergency interventions and a “buy local” boosterism campaign, leading to a significant decrease in Canadians crossing the border for activities once considered routine: shopping, dining, fueling vehicles, vacationing, and visiting family and friends.
The International Bridge Administration, which manages the Sault span, estimates that the Sault area alone lost at least $82.9 million in local spending last year due to decreased crossings. Of this, $62.7 million was lost on the Michigan side and $20.2 million on the Ontario side, highlighting the interconnectedness of these twin economies. Last year saw 270,000 fewer total crossings at the Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge—a nearly 24% drop from 2024 figures, surpassing similar declines at Michigan’s other border crossings. Analysis of currency used for bridge fares and information from the Canadian prime minister’s office indicates that this decline is predominantly due to the absence of Canadian travelers. This trend shows no sign of abating, with auto traffic lingering at the same lower volume halfway into 2026, and commercial traffic plummeting an additional 15%.
Nationwide, the impact is equally stark. Data from the Canadian government reveals that the total number of Canadians returning from the United States last year dropped by more than 25%. Michael Broadway, a geographer and professor emeritus at Northern Michigan University who has extensively researched these travel trends, observes that "Canadians have, of course, been boycotting the U.S." He notes that while ordinary people may feel powerless regarding federal politics, they can “vote with their feet,” a sentiment clearly reflected in the declining travel numbers.
This downturn reversed a hopeful post-pandemic uptick in traffic, as noted by Peter Petainen, the Sault bridge director. Just as numbers were recovering, the “federal tariff dispute occurred and we’ve fallen off,” he stated. Beyond tariffs, other factors have contributed to this chilled travel environment. Stories of Canadians being detained by US immigration authorities have become recurring headlines in the north, creating an atmosphere of apprehension. Moreover, the Canadian dollar’s diminished purchasing power against the US dollar further disincentivizes cross-border spending.
These combined factors pose a significant problem for Michigan’s rural Upper Peninsula, which relies heavily on Canadian tourism and commerce. It also directly impacts the publicly owned Sault bridge, which depends on toll revenue for maintenance and operations. The bridge authority’s December five-year plan explicitly warns: “Border challenges negatively affecting bridge traffic, trade and tourism may significantly reduce bridge revenue or increase expenditures beyond operational sustainability.” This grim forecast underscores the long-term threat to critical infrastructure and regional economic stability.
Local businesses are already feeling the squeeze. Wilda Hopper, co-owner of Bird’s Eye Outfitters in the Michigan Sault, has observed a noticeable drop-off in Canadian visitors, particularly during the off-season when her gear shop and cafe depend on the local community, including those from Ontario Sault, to sustain operations through the snowy months. Between fewer Canadian customers and rising operational costs, Hopper reports that business is down approximately 27% compared to the previous summer. Michigan state Sen. John Damoose, a Republican representing the community in Lansing, echoes these concerns, stating, “I can tell you that I’ve spoken to business after business up in the Sault Ste. Marie area, and in the eastern Upper Peninsula, and they’re all feeling the pressure from this.” He adds that the economic strain extends to popular tourist destinations like Mackinac Island, with “everybody… feeling the heat from this deterioration in our relationship with Canada.” Damoose expressed bewilderment at the situation, recalling instances where Canadians crossed the Sault bridge to help Michiganders repair the electrical grid after a brutal ice storm last year, emphasizing, “This is our best friend in the entire world.”
Political Landscape: Silence and Opposition in Washington
The political ramifications of Trump’s trade policies are creating divisions within the Republican party and challenges for Michigan’s representatives. While state-level politicians like Sen. Damoose acknowledge the problem, their ability to influence federal trade policy is limited. In Washington, Michigan’s Democratic Senators, Gary Peters and Elissa Slotkin, have criticized Trump’s approach. While not entirely opposing tariffs in principle, they have labeled his methods “chaotic” and “sloppy,” respectively. Slotkin has asserted that, constitutionally, only Congress holds the power to levy tariffs or raise taxes, challenging the executive’s unilateral actions. Peters, meanwhile, introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at increasing transparency for Trump’s tariffs, particularly for Michigan businesses and consumers.
The situation is particularly delicate for Rep. Jack Bergman, whose district encompasses the Upper Peninsula and a significant northern portion of the state. He previously championed Canada’s critical role in Michigan’s economy and vowed to work with the Canadian Parliament to “expand market access between both our nations” during Trump’s first term. He also lauded the president’s new North American trade deal (USMCA) with Canada and Mexico, highlighting its benefits for Michigan’s farmers, small businesses, and consumers. However, Trump’s subsequent trade policies have forced many Republicans who once advocated for free trade to pivot, as exemplified by former US ambassador to Canada and Michigan congressman Pete Hoekstra.
Since Trump began his second term, Bergman’s official website has contained no mention of tariffs in its press releases, articles, or op-eds. His only public statement regarding Canada was a letter to the prime minister, co-signed by three congressional colleagues, criticizing Canada’s handling of wildfires that caused smoke to drift into Michigan. ProPublica’s attempts to reach Bergman, his office, and his campaign for comment on the tariffs’ impact on his district went unanswered. Despite his endorsement from Trump, his re-election bid, supported by the Michigan and U.S. chambers of commerce, faces challenges.
His two Republican primary challengers have both publicly stated the importance of sustainable trading relationships for the district. They, along with many of Bergman’s constituents, have criticized his perceived inaccessibility, noting that he has not hosted a public town hall in the district since his first year in office. Furthermore, Bergman, who owns a home in Louisiana, has faced long-standing allegations regarding his Michigan residency, with former staff members like Julie Hoffmeyer (who supports one of his primary challengers) claiming he refers to his western Upper Peninsula property as a “cabin” or “camp.” Bergman has previously countered such challenges by asserting his Michigan home as his primary residence and confirming his voter registration in the state.
A Shifting Paradigm: Canada Looks Beyond the Southern Border
The escalating trade war has profound implications for Michigan’s agriculture industry, the state’s second-largest sector. A yet-to-be-released report from the state’s agriculture department reveals that exports to Canada fell by 12.3% last year, signaling “severe strain with a country that is our strongest trading partner.” This decline is particularly alarming given Canada’s historical importance as a primary market for Michigan agricultural products.
The White House, in its fact sheet on the new 50% tariff, implicitly acknowledged Canada’s strategic response, noting that Canadian imports of US motor vehicles dropped by approximately 22% between April 2025 and March 2026 compared to the previous year. It also highlighted a significant plummet in Canadian imports of US alcoholic beverages due to provincial restrictions, indicating a conscious effort by Canada to diversify its supply chains and support domestic industries in response to US protectionism.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has publicly articulated a strategic shift. In a letter posted on social media, Carney stated that the US tariffs initiated by the Trump administration were “in direct violation” of the existing North American trade deal – the very agreement Trump had celebrated in his first term, and which Bergman had hailed as an economic victory for Michigan. With the trade deal up for review this year, the Trump administration’s refusal to grant a long-term extension signals further instability. Carney has openly signaled Canada’s intent to explore trading partners beyond its immediate southern neighbor. In an April video on his YouTube channel, he declared, “Many of our former strengths, based on our close ties to America, have become our weaknesses – weaknesses that we must correct.” This statement marks a pivotal moment, indicating a potential reorientation of Canadian economic policy away from its historical dependence on the US.
The Path Forward: Uncertainty for Twin Cities and a Vital Relationship
The Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge, soaring high above the St. Mary’s River and the historic Soo Locks, is more than a mere crossing; it is a critical gateway for commerce, capable of clearing thousand-foot freighters and serving as the only vehicular border crossing for hundreds of miles in either direction. Its diminishing traffic underscores the tangible cost of a fractured international relationship.
The festive atmosphere of the International Bridge Walk, a beacon of cross-border unity, now serves as a poignant reminder of what is at stake. The economic vitality of twin cities like Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, and Ontario, deeply intertwined through generations of shared history, culture, and commerce, is under threat. The goodwill built over decades of close cooperation is eroding, replaced by economic uncertainty and political posturing. The shift in Canadian policy, driven by a need to secure its economic future independently of an unpredictable American trade partner, suggests a long-term recalibration of the bilateral relationship. For Michigan, and particularly its vulnerable Upper Peninsula, the stakes are exceptionally high, as the future of its trade, tourism, and local economies hinges precariously on the evolving and increasingly contentious dynamics between Washington D.C. and Ottawa.
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