The U.S. ambassador to Canada voiced his discontent with the prevailing anti-American sentiment in the country, particularly from politicians, following the imposition of tariffs by U.S. President Donald Trump worldwide. Pete Hoekstra, who assumed his role in April, expressed surprise at the Canadian stance towards the U.S., noting a lack of enthusiasm for the American-Canadian relationship among Canadians.
During an event organized by the Halifax Chamber of Commerce, Hoekstra criticized what he perceived as an anti-American tone in Canada’s political discourse, citing instances from the recent election campaign. He highlighted Prime Minister Mark Carney’s assertion in the House of Commons that Canada currently holds the best deal with the U.S. globally, which he believed helped temper the rhetoric.
However, Hoekstra disapproved of Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne’s characterization of a trade dispute as a “war,” cautioning against using such inflammatory language. He emphasized that escalating tensions could have adverse effects on the Canadian economy and emphasized the need to explore new markets and industries in response to the changing trade dynamics.
The ambassador defended Trump’s tariff policies by pointing out that countries vying with Canada for U.S. market share face higher tariffs, suggesting an improved relative position for Canada. He refuted claims of a trade war between the U.S. and Canada, citing ongoing dialogue between Trump and Carney on various issues.
Hoekstra expressed optimism about the prospect of reaching a trade deal with Canada, following recent developments in tariff adjustments and the review of the CUSMA agreement. He welcomed the removal of retaliatory tariffs on American products compliant with CUSMA, viewing it as a positive step towards enhancing trade relations.
As the mandatory review of CUSMA commenced, Hoekstra anticipated feedback from American businesses, cautioning that criticisms might arise. He anticipated a thorough review process extending beyond July 2026, emphasizing the significance of constructive engagement between the two countries to address trade challenges.
