New US Ambassador to Canada Exudes Optimism While Dodging Sensitive Topics

Sat Sep 13 2025 18:31:09 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Pete Hoekstra's first speech refrains from controversial remarks, signaling a potential thaw in US-Canada relations.

In his inaugural address, U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra emphasized goodwill toward Canada while steering clear of divisive rhetoric, hinting at a collaborative future despite the backdrop of prior diplomatic tensions.

At an Ottawa conference on Friday, Pete Hoekstra made his debut as the United States' ambassador to Canada, presenting a friendly outlook toward bilateral relations in stark contrast to the previous administration's controversial remarks. With a focus on cooperation, Hoekstra’s speech avoided references to the notion of Canada as the “51st state,” which had been associated with President Trump’s rhetoric.

In a previous interview with The National Post, Hoekstra reinforced this stance, suggesting no future for the "51st state" concept unless actively pursued by the Canadian Prime Minister. By sidestepping discussions on U.S. needs for Canadian products—such as automobiles, lumber, and oil—his remarks signaled a departure from policies that often painted Canada in a negative light.

Hoekstra's friendly tone, full of compliments for both Canada and its new Prime Minister, Mark Carney, may indicate a shift in the diplomatic atmosphere, fostering a sense of optimism for the future of U.S.-Canada relations.