U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra says Ontario’s ad campaign interfered in American politics. The Canadian Press
U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra renewed his sharp criticism of Ontario’s anti-tariff ad campaign during an event in Ottawa on Wednesday. He claimed the ads interfered with American politics and damaged efforts to restart trade talks with Washington.
Hoekstra argued that the ads targeted the U.S. president only days before important state elections and shortly before a major Supreme Court hearing on tariffs. He said the timing crossed a line.
“You do not come into America and start running political ads, government-funded political ads … and expect that there will be no consequences,” Hoekstra said.
He insisted the ad supported by the Ontario government amounted to foreign meddling, regardless of whether it came from the province or the federal government.
The Ad That Triggered a Breakdown
The ad featured clips of former U.S. president Ronald Reagan speaking against tariffs. Ontario Premier Doug Ford backed the campaign and agreed to pause it after the ads aired during the World Series.
Trump responded by immediately halting trade talks and threatening tougher tariffs on Canadian goods. Hoekstra said he often hears Americans complain about Canada acting like the “51st state” and said he now understands their frustration.
Hoekstra said Canadian officials seemed confused by Trump’s anger. “The president got mad about an ad,” he noted, but warned Canada not to treat American politics lightly.
Tense Moments Behind the Scenes
Hoekstra also referenced a heated exchange at a recent business council event in Ottawa. Witnesses said he shouted at Ontario’s trade representative and used strong language. On Wednesday, Hoekstra said he acted out of “passion” and frustration that trade progress “got blown up.”
He said he wanted both countries to stack up “wins” and then move forward on other issues.
Asked whether talks can restart, he said they can — but “not going to be easy.”
Ottawa Responds Cautiously
Canadian officials signalled they are willing to return to the negotiating table but do not plan to rush. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc’s office said Canada will “re-engage at the opportune time” and will push for the “right deal” rather than a quick one.
LeBlanc put it more bluntly last week. “We’re not going to wait around and look at our phones,” he said. He noted that Canada will continue to build a stronger and more diverse economy while exploring trade with other partners.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau apologized to Trump at the APEC Summit after the ad controversy, according to former central banker Mark Carney, who had warned Ford not to run the ad.
What Comes Next for Tariffs?
Hoekstra told the audience that tariffs will likely stay in place for now but said the U.S. may consider lowering them if Canada works closely with Washington on a new agreement. He pointed to the U.K. as an example of a country that secured a better tariff position.
“I think once we get to an agreement, these tariffs will come down,” he said.
For now, the two countries remain far apart, with political tension overshadowing long-standing trade ties.
