Premier Doug Ford criticized U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra for his profanity-laden outburst towards Ontario’s trade representative, deeming it inappropriate for an ambassador. The incident occurred at a Canadian American Business Council event in Ottawa, where witnesses reported a heated exchange between Hoekstra and David Paterson, mentioning Ford and apparently triggered by Ontario’s anti-tariff ad that had irked President Donald Trump.
Ford stood by the ad as a necessary response to Trump’s repeated attacks on Ontario and Canada. He urged Hoekstra to apologize to Paterson and resume negotiations, emphasizing the importance of reconciliation. Ford emphasized that the ad aimed to spark dialogue and raise awareness rather than provoke the president.
The ad featured a speech by former U.S. President Ronald Reagan advocating against tariffs, a position Ford highlighted as a truthful stance supported by the renowned Republican leader. Ford expressed disappointment in the strained Canada-U.S. relationship and emphasized the need for constructive dialogue to resolve trade disputes.
Despite the tension, Ford maintained a positive view of Hoekstra, describing him as a “good guy” with whom he had a friendly bet. Hoekstra, known for his candid remarks on the Canada-U.S. relationship in the past, had previously downplayed Trump’s controversial statements, framing them as terms of endearment rather than hostility.