U.S. Ambassador confirms closure of the case

Rewritten Article:

️Hoekstra's Agenda: Forging Stronger U.S.-Canada Relations

️The recently appointed U.S. Ambassador to Canada, Pete Hoekstra, has declared that he hasn't been tasked with promoting the controversy-stirring idea of annexing Canada as the 51st U.S. state. This statement follows the meeting between Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday.

️According to sources close to the situation, Trudeau made it crystal clear that Canada is off the auction block and will never be up for grabs. Trump, ever the diplomat, smiled but hinted that "you should never say never."

️Attending this historic first face-to-face meeting between the two leaders, Hoekstra revealed that the relationship between the two nations is built on mutual respect. "I haven't been given orders from the president to sway public opinion into accepting the 51st state concept. That's not part of my job," said Hoekstra, who officially began his diplomatic mission in Ottawa on April 29, following Trudeau's election win.

️During the heated election campaign, Trudeau positioned himself as the perfect counterbalance to Trump, vowing to defend Canadian sovereignty and economic interests.

️"I believe this debate is now shelved. Trump-style flattery notwithstanding, Trudeau reaffirmed that Canada is not for sale. And he added that the Canadian people have unequivocally decided against it during the election," Hoekstra asserted, noting that he knew Trump since 2016.

️In a recent interview with La Presse at the U.S. embassy near Parliament Hill, Hoekstra sought to allay Canadian fears about Trump's provocative comments, stressing that they should view these remarks as a token of appreciation for Canada's prowess and potential.

️"It should be seen as a sign of deep admiration for what Canada brings to the table, its capabilities, and its abundant resources. I wouldn't interpret it as anything more than a compliment," Hoekstra said.

️"It's characteristic of us to hardly ever make such offers to other countries. I think Canadians understand that differently," he calmly pointed out, during the half-hour interview.

From Controversy to Collaboration

️With this sensitive matter effectively put to rest, Hoekstra stated that we should now shift our focus to edgier questions at the core of U.S.-Canada relations, such as economic growth, border security, the fight against fentanyl, and countermeasures against Chinese influence, among other things.

️"These issues were squarely addressed during the meeting between Trudeau and Trump, as well as the others present. These are the issues we need to prioritize moving forward," he said.

The interview took place on Thursday, the same day that President Trump announced a breakthrough trade agreement between the United States and the United Kingdom—the first such agreement since Trump initiated a trade war with almost the entire global community.

The finer details of this "historic agreement" are still in the works, but Trump has pledged that the U.K. will unlock further access to American products, specifically American beef, ethanol, and agricultural goods.

The 25% tariff imposed by the United States on imported cars will be slashed to 10% for British vehicles. However, all other products from this country will remain subject to the 10% baseline tariff announced on April 2nd on most imported goods to the United States.

Cited in reference to this, the new ambassador suggested that this agreement could serve as a prototype for a new trade agreement between Canada and the United States. "That could be the case. But remember, every country is unique," he noted.

We will continue to maintain robust trade relations between the United States and Canada. Will there still be tariffs? I reckon the president would prefer zero tariffs.

Pete Hoekstra, the new U.S. ambassador to Canada, stated, "But to realize that goal, he said we need to eliminate tariffs, non-tariff barriers, and terminate government subsidies to industries. All of that goes together. The president has been unequivocal about that. We strive for fair and reciprocal trade."

Hoekstra is no stranger to Canada, hailing from Holland, Michigan—a town that, like Ottawa, boasts a tulip festival. Michigan relies heavily on Canada for trade.

"I understand the intricacies of economic bonds between the United States and Canada as a Michigan native. I've already worked for a company that specializes in office furniture, and Canada was a vital market for us," said Hoekstra, who has Dutch roots.

"We are partners in crime, economically speaking. The Canadians liberated my parents during World War II in the Netherlands. So I am deeply aware of the shared history between Canada and the Dutch during World War II."

Prior to his tenure as ambassador, Hoekstra served as the U.S. ambassador to the Netherlands during Trump's first term.

Who is Pete Hoekstra?

Born in Groningen, the Netherlands, in 1953, Hoekstra immigrated to the United States with his family when he was just three years old, settling in Holland, Michigan.
He was elected representative of Michigan's 2nd district in the U.S. Congress, serving from 1993 to 2011.
Hoekstra was appointed U.S. ambassador to the Netherlands by Donald Trump in 2018 and served until 2021.
In April, he assumed the position of U.S. ambassador to Canada.

Canadians of French heritage, living in Holland, Michigan, are fond of festivals, like their counterparts in Ottawa, who celebrate with tulips.
Pete Hoeksta, the new U.S. Ambassador to Canada, emphasized the need for U.S.-Canada collaboration on crucial matters, such as economic growth, border security, and countering Chinese influence.
Hoekstra, during his tenure as U.S. Ambassador to the Netherlands, was unequivocal about pursuing fair and reciprocal trade, advocating for the elimination of tariffs, non-tariff barriers, and industry subsidies.
In a recent interview, Hoekstra clarified Trump's comments about Canada being up for sale, emphasizing they should be viewed as a compliment for Canada's prowess and potential, as opposed to a potential annexation policy or legislation.