US Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra Sparks Debate Over Trade, Border Policies, and Canadian ‘Elbows Up’ Movement
The recent appointment of US Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra has reignited conversations surrounding trade disputes, sovereignty, and public sentiment between the two neighboring nations. As Canada and the United States navigate a period of strained relations, Hoekstra’s comments and diplomatic strategies are drawing attention on both sides of the border.
Pete Hoekstra Confirmed as US Ambassador to Canada
In April 2025, the U.S. Senate voted 60 to 37 to confirm Pete Hoekstra as the 33rd U.S. ambassador to Canada. His confirmation followed months of hearings in which Hoekstra assured lawmakers of his commitment to maintaining Canada’s sovereignty, stressing that the nation should never be viewed as America’s “51st state.”
This appointment comes at a crucial time, as tensions over tariffs, trade agreements, and security measures continue to test the strength of US-Canada relations.
Hoekstra’s Stance on Canadian Sovereignty
During his confirmation hearings, Hoekstra directly addressed concerns about rhetoric that downplays Canada’s independence. His statements affirmed that Ottawa and Washington must work as equal partners despite the challenges posed by recent trade conflicts and border security issues.
This reassurance was widely noted, as Canadian leaders and citizens have increasingly demanded respect and recognition from U.S. officials.
Criticism of Canada’s “Elbows Up” Campaign
Shortly after assuming his post in Ottawa, US ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra criticized Canada’s “Elbows Up” campaign, describing it as a form of “anti-American sentiment.” The campaign, widely regarded as a symbol of Canadian solidarity, emerged in response to controversial U.S. trade policies and political rhetoric.
Hoekstra argued that such movements hinder broader cooperation beyond trade, limiting progress in areas such as defense, energy, and nuclear partnerships.
Key Points of Disagreement Highlighted by Hoekstra
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Growing skepticism among Canadians about U.S. leadership.
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Symbolic campaigns that reinforce anti-American narratives.
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Limited enthusiasm for expanding cooperation beyond CUSMA.
Trade Disputes and Tariff Challenges
Trade has been one of the most contentious issues during Hoekstra’s tenure. The United States imposed tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum, and other goods, prompting immediate retaliatory measures from Ottawa.
Hoekstra has emphasized his hope that the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) could serve as a framework for wider collaboration, though he acknowledged that achieving this goal remains difficult under the current circumstances.
Table: Recent Trade Disputes Between the U.S. and Canada
| Issue | U.S. Action | Canadian Response |
|---|---|---|
| Steel and Aluminum Tariffs | Imposed additional tariffs | Retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods |
| Agricultural Exports | Review of subsidies | Pushback in Canadian parliament |
| Energy Cooperation | Limited discussions | Calls for expanded bilateral talks |
Border Concerns and Travel Advisory
In 2025, the Canadian government issued a travel advisory warning citizens about possible phone searches and detentions at U.S. entry points. Hoekstra dismissed the concerns as “isolated incidents,” aiming to reassure Canadians that U.S. border procedures remain consistent and not systematically directed against them.
The ambassador’s response has sparked mixed reactions, with some Canadians welcoming his reassurance while others remain skeptical of U.S. border practices.
Who Is Pete Hoekstra?
Pete Hoekstra brings decades of political and diplomatic experience to his new role.
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Born in the Netherlands in 1953 before immigrating to the United States.
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Served as U.S. House Representative for Michigan’s 2nd District from 1993 to 2011.
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Previously appointed as U.S. Ambassador to the Netherlands from 2018 to 2021.
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Nominated for the Canadian ambassadorship in late 2024 and confirmed in April 2025.
His background as both a legislator and a diplomat shapes his approach to Canada, where he seeks to balance economic interests with political diplomacy.
Future of US-Canada Relations Under Hoekstra
As the new U.S. ambassador, Hoekstra faces an uphill battle to restore trust and cooperation with Canada. The coming months will be shaped by several pressing issues:
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Rebuilding goodwill amid growing anti-American sentiment.
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Managing ongoing trade disputes and tariff retaliation.
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Expanding CUSMA into a broader cooperation framework.
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Ensuring that border and travel policies do not undermine bilateral trust.
The path forward will determine not only the strength of US-Canada relations but also how effectively US ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra can influence policies in a period of political and economic strain.
