U.S. Ambassador Confronts Ontario Trade Rep Amid Tariff Dispute

U.S. Ambassador to Canada, Pete Hoekstra, engaged in a heated exchange with Ontario’s trade representative, David Paterson, during an event in Ottawa on Monday. Sources from the Ontario government reported that Hoekstra used “insults and swore” in response to an advertisement from Ontario promoting its opposition to U.S. tariffs. The incident reportedly occurred at the Canadian American Business Council gathering, where Paterson maintained his composure throughout the confrontation.

The tension stems from recent actions by U.S. President Donald Trump, who abruptly ended trade discussions with Canada last week due to the controversial advertisement featuring the voice of former Republican President Ronald Reagan. Following the ad’s continued broadcast in U.S. markets, Trump announced a new 10 percent tariff on Canadian goods, stating that Ontario’s government failed to withdraw the commercial promptly.

Trade Relations in Turmoil

During a press conference in Malaysia, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney indicated that discussions with the U.S. had been progressing, particularly concerning sectors impacted by tariffs, such as steel and aluminum. However, he noted that Trump’s reaction to the advertisement has complicated these negotiations.

In defense of the ad, Ontario Premier Doug Ford expressed that it achieved its intended effect, generating over one billion impressions and reaching American voters. “We achieved our goal, and our goal is to make sure that we get a fair deal, not a one-sided Donald Trump deal, but a fair deal for the people of Ontario and Canada,” Ford stated.

Hours before the confrontation with Paterson, Hoekstra delivered a keynote address to the Coalition of Concerned Manufacturers and Businesses Canada, where he expressed skepticism regarding future trade agreements. “I don’t see any way that there will be an agreement before American Thanksgiving,” he remarked, indicating that negotiations had effectively stalled.

When questioned about potential steps to revive discussions, including an apology for the advertisement, Hoekstra responded negatively, emphasizing that “Canada burnt the bridges with America.” He characterized the ad as a form of foreign interference, highlighting the ongoing legal challenges regarding the tariffs, with the U.S. Supreme Court set to hear arguments on this issue on November 5, 2023.

The U.S. Embassy in Canada declined to comment on the incident when approached by CTV News. As trade relations between the two countries remain fraught with tension, the situation underscores the ongoing challenges in achieving a harmonious economic partnership.