U.S. Ambassador Slams ‘Anti-American’ Talk in Canada Trade Debate

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U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra shared his frustration over rising negative talk about the Canada-U.S. relationship. He spoke Thursday at a lunch event hosted by the Halifax Chamber of Commerce.

Hoekstra said he felt disappointed after hearing what he called “anti-American” language used by Canadian politicians.

“You ran a campaign where it was anti-American,” he told the crowd. “That has continued. That’s disappointing.”

“Elbows up” term sparks concern
Prime Minister Mark Carney often used the phrase “elbows up” during his spring election campaign. It was meant as a hockey reference—standing strong in tough situations. He even used it in a video with Canadian comedian Mike Myers.

But Hoekstra believes the message felt hostile. He said it made it harder to find Canadians who speak positively about the U.S.

Tensions grow over trade
Hoekstra also pushed back on the idea that Canada and the U.S. are in a “trade war.” He said calling it that is not just wrong—it’s dangerous.

“A cabinet minister came out and said it’s a trade war. I think that’s a dangerous place to go,” Hoekstra warned.

Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne spoke Wednesday about his own concerns. He said the U.S. “turned its back” on Canada. He also blamed the trade tension for putting new pressure on Canada’s economy.

“A lot of the costs in the next federal budget are directly related to the trade war,” Champagne told reporters.

Bigger deal not ruled out
Earlier in the week, Hoekstra said the U.S., under Donald Trump, had hoped to strike a much bigger trade deal with Canada.

Carney responded Thursday while in Mexico, where he signed a new economic deal with that country. He said a new deal with the U.S. is “not on the table, but it’s still possible.”

Carney added that talks are underway in both countries. He said Canada remains open to better trade options but would only sign deals that help Canadians.

“A deal is a deal,” Carney said. “And it has to work for both sides.”

Ambassador highlights trade progress
Hoekstra noted that Canada’s trade position has improved in the past seven months. Still, he said it’s unfair for Canadian politicians to act like the U.S. has turned away from the relationship.

“If we were truly at war, Canada wouldn’t have the best tariff rates,” he said.

He also said he appreciated Carney’s support for the current trade deal.

“That helps take the tone and tenor of the debate down,” Hoekstra said.

Frustration over booze and border talk
Hoekstra said he was also disappointed that some provinces still don’t sell American alcohol. He mentioned concerns about Canadian politicians telling people not to visit the U.S.

“We’re not telling Americans not to go to Canada,” he said.

Hope remains for future deals
Despite the tough talk, Hoekstra said he feels hopeful. He believes Canada and the U.S. will soon reach a lasting deal that will strengthen their long history of working together.

The three North American countries are preparing for a full review of the Canada–U.S.–Mexico Agreement next year. Carney hopes to reach smaller agreements with the U.S. in the meantime, focusing on trade and security.