OTTAWA—U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra hosted a celebration for his country’s 250th anniversary at his private residence in Ottawa on July 4, telling attendees the different stumbling blocks in the relationship with Canada will be resolved.
Hoekstra took the stage after Canadian astronaut David Saint-Jacques, who spoke of working closely with the U.S. side on space exploration.
“It is so symbolic of the relationship that we’ve had together, that there’s two countries that have had people fly to the moon and back: United States and Canada,” Hoekstra said, in reference to the recent Artemis II NASA mission involving Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen.
“Now that’s an awesome accomplishment.”
The U.S. ambassador followed by saying that Canada and the United States currently have a “few little issues to work out,” including the “bridge thing” and tariffs.
“We‘ll get through these problems, we’ll get through these issues, and we will be stronger together,” he said.
Hoekstra’s comments came three days after Canada, the United States, and Mexico conducted a joint review of their free trade deal.
With the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) not being renewed, it still remains in force for another 10 years and could be extended at any time until then. A party could also withdraw with six months’ notice.
The United States has a list of trade irritants it wants to address with Canada, whereas Canada wants to be exempted from the U.S. administration’s universal sectoral tariffs on steel, aluminum, autos, and lumber.
Hoekstra’s reference to the “bridge thing” likely alludes to the delay in the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge in Windsor.
The Canadian government financed the construction of the bridge and money is to be recouped through tolls over 36 years. After Canada is reimbursed, revenues would be shared with the State of Michigan.
Toward the end of his speech, Hoekstra announced there would be a joint fly-by of two U.S. F-35s from Wisconsin and two Canadian CF-18 fighter jets over his residence. The jets would then return to do solo pass overs.
“I hope you enjoy it. If you don’t, there’s really not much time to leave between act one and act two,” Hoekstra said. He added that Canada would take its first delivery of F-35s in the fall. “On October 14, you will also be the proud owners of the most advanced aircraft in the world.”
Canada has purchased 16 F-35s out of an initial order of 88. Prime Minister Mark Carney put the purchase under review shortly after taking power last year, amid the tariff row with the United States. The review remains underway, said Ottawa, who in the meantime has contemplated purchasing Swedish Gripen fighter jets.
Liberal MP Rob Oliphant, who attended the event, said Canada has a “great relationship” with the United States. Oliphant serves as parliamentary secretary to the minister of foreign affairs.
“Obviously, there are critical issues that we need to develop further,” Oliphant told The Epoch Times. “Canada will maintain our sovereignty and our independence as we celebrate their sovereignty and their independence.”
Conservative MP Shelby Kramp-Neuman told The Epoch Times the joint flyover of Canadian and U.S. jets “speaks volumes” about the close relationship between the two countries.
Former Tory Leader Erin O’Toole was also in attendance at the event, which he called a celebration of the “people-to-people relations that Canada has had since our founding with the United States.”
“We’ve got a few tensions, no question, but there’s so much to celebrate, and I think we’re trying to focus on that,” he added. “Two hundred and fifty is a very big, big anniversary, so I think a lot of people are here to show that support.”
Other politicians who attended include Tory MPs Jamil Jivani, Richard Bragdon, John Williamson, Jacob Mantle, Andrew Lawton, and Lianne Rood.
