Ford Demands Apology from U.S. Ambassador Over Comments

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has called for an apology from U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra following remarks directed at the province’s trade representative, David Paterson. Ford described Hoekstra’s behavior as “absolutely unacceptable” after reports surfaced detailing a heated exchange at the annual Canadian American Business Council gala on March 4, 2024. During the event, Hoekstra allegedly confronted Paterson regarding a controversial advertisement released by Ford’s government.

Ford expressed his frustration during a press conference, stating, “Pete, you gotta call Dave up and apologize, it’s simple, the cheese slipped off the cracker.” He acknowledged that while Hoekstra may have been frustrated, it was essential for him to reach out and mend the situation. “I get it, you’re ticked off, but call the guy up because you’re a good guy and Dave’s my champion,” Ford added.

The incident follows a turbulent week in U.S.-Canada trade relations, particularly after President Donald Trump announced the suspension of trade talks due to the contentious $75 million ad campaign. The advertisement featured a message from former President Ronald Reagan advocating against tariffs and protectionism, which incited considerable backlash from Trump, who labeled it a “fraud.” In response to the ad and the halted negotiations, Trump also declared plans to impose a further 10 percent tariff on Canadian goods, although the specifics regarding implementation remain unclear.

Ford’s comments were echoed by other provincial leaders. Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew voiced his support for the advertisement prior to the suspension of trade talks, urging Ford not to withdraw it. Similarly, British Columbia Premier David Eby announced intentions for his province to launch its own advertising campaign targeting what he described as Trump’s “unfair and absurd” lumber tariffs. Eby emphasized the necessity of communicating the implications of these tariffs to Americans, stating, “Trade policy in the United States right now is governed not by logic, not by economics, not by relationship, but by something else entirely.”

In light of the escalating tensions, Prime Minister Mark Carney suggested that the advertisement was a contributing factor to the “unexpected twists and turns” in the trade discussions. He asserted that while he is receptive to “unsolicited advice,” the negotiations remain the “sole responsibility of the government of Canada.” Carney elaborated on the nature of discussions leading up to the ad’s release, stating, “There were a series of very detailed, very specific, very comprehensive discussions, negotiations … up until the point of those ads running.”

When questioned about his understanding of Carney and his chief of staff’s awareness of the advertisement prior to its airing, Ford confidently replied, “I was with them.” He further defended his position, questioning the expectations from the U.S. regarding his response to the ongoing attacks on Ontario and Canada. “When you have someone attacking your province, attacking your country, constantly saying it’s the 51st state, what do they expect me to do?” Ford stated. “I’m going to fight like I’ve never fought before.”

Adding a lighter note to the serious discussions, Ford remarked on a friendly wager with Hoekstra regarding the Toronto Blue Jays. If the Jays win the World Series, Hoekstra will don a Jays jersey; conversely, Ford will wear a Los Angeles Dodgers jersey if they lose.

The call for an apology highlights the ongoing complexities in U.S.-Canada relations, especially concerning trade and diplomatic interactions, as both sides navigate the implications of recent ad campaigns and tariffs.