Canadian Leaders Rebuke U.S. Envoy Over ‘Anti-Americanism’ Remarks

 

U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra said Thursday in Halifax he is disappointed that he's found so few Canadians are willing to speak positively about the United States.

Canadian politicians and policy experts are pushing back against U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra after he expressed disappointment over what he described as rising anti-American sentiment in Canada. Speaking at a Halifax Chamber of Commerce event, Hoekstra criticized recent Canadian political rhetoric as “anti-American” and claimed it has strained the bilateral relationship.

Flavio Volpe, president of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association, dismissed the ambassador’s comments as “gaslighting 101,” arguing that Canada’s frustration stems directly from U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum. “When you kick the dog, you can’t blame it for snarling back,” Volpe said.

Canadian novelist Stephen Marche echoed that sentiment, suggesting Hoekstra’s approach is designed to alienate rather than strengthen ties. “He is the person you send to a country to alienate it,” Marche told CBC.

Conservative House Leader Andrew Scheer also weighed in, noting that Canadians naturally react negatively when faced with punitive trade measures. “We are different, we are distinct,” Scheer said, emphasizing Canada’s unique identity beyond its relationship with the United States.

Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne struck a more diplomatic tone, acknowledging the deep impact of tariffs while stressing the long history of cooperation between the two countries.

Despite Hoekstra’s criticism, Canadian leaders appear united in defending their country’s right to push back when U.S. policies harm Canadian industries and workers.