The U.S. envoy to Canada reportedly engaged in a profanity-laden outburst towards Ontario’s trade representative during an event in Ottawa, as per witnesses interviewed by CBC News. The incident, which occurred at the National Gallery of Canada during the Canadian American Business Council’s event, quickly circulated among influential figures in Ottawa and Washington.
The gathering, known for fostering connections and celebrating the Canada-U.S. bond, attracted prominent figures like Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand and Dominic LeBlanc, the minister overseeing Canada-U.S. trade. Witnesses observed U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra directing a tirade filled with expletives at Ontario’s trade representative, David Paterson.
According to accounts from sources who preferred to remain anonymous, Hoekstra seemed agitated about a recent anti-tariff advertisement by the province that aired in the U.S., causing displeasure to President Donald Trump. The witness mentioned Hoekstra using strong language, including references to Ontario Premier Doug Ford.
Following Ontario’s ad campaign featuring the voice of former U.S. president Ronald Reagan, Trump abruptly halted trade discussions with Canada and threatened to impose a 10% tariff on Canadian products, without specifying the details. Unlike previous years, this year’s event only featured prepared remarks from Canada’s Ambassador to the U.S., Kirsten Hillman.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford, in a press conference, urged Hoekstra to reconcile with Paterson, emphasizing the need for an apology. The Toronto Sun and The Globe and Mail were among the first to report on the incident. The U.S. Embassy declined to provide a comment to CBC News regarding the matter.
Efforts by Canada to navigate U.S. tariffs have reached a stalemate after extended negotiations. Initially aiming for a comprehensive trade and security agreement to alleviate tariffs, Ottawa’s focus has shifted towards reducing specific sectoral tariffs due to lowered expectations in recent weeks.
Hoekstra’s past remarks about the Canada-U.S. relationship have garnered attention, including labeling Canadian responses to Trump’s tariffs as “nasty” and interpreting Trump’s comments about Canada becoming the 51st state as a form of endearment. During a meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney, Trump inquired about Hoekstra’s job performance, indicating his readiness to make changes if deemed necessary.