Trumpian diplomacy: US ambassador's expletive laden tirade at Ontario trade representative sparks Ottawa tensions

Tensions flared at a high-profile Ottawa gathering on Monday as the US ambassador to Canada , Pete Hoekstra, launched an expletive-filled tirade at Ontario’s trade representative, David Paterson, over the province’s controversial anti-tariff ad campaign. The confrontation, witnessed by multiple attendees, quickly rippled through Ottawa and Washington, highlighting the strain in Canada-US trade relations.

The incident at the Canadian American business council event

The confrontation occurred during the Canadian American Business Council’s annual “State of the Relationship” event, held at the National Gallery of Canada. Normally a platform to network and celebrate the Canada-US partnership, the event attracts a mix of cabinet ministers, diplomats, and business leaders. This year, it drew Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand and Dominic LeBlanc, the minister responsible for Canada-US trade.

According to multiple witnesses, Hoekstra confronted Paterson in a visibly angry exchange. One attendee noted that Hoekstra’s tirade included the use of the F-word and made direct references to Ontario Premier Doug Ford . Sources told CBC News that the ambassador appeared particularly upset about the province’s recent anti-tariff advertisement campaign, which has drawn the ire of US President Donald Trump.

Unlike previous years, this year’s event featured prepared remarks only from Canada’s Ambassador to the US, Kirsten Hillman. No speeches from the US side were delivered, marking a notable departure from tradition.

The Controversial anti-tariff advertisement

Ontario’s ad campaign, which features the voice of former US President Ronald Reagan, aired on American television with the goal of influencing the ongoing trade dispute. The campaign reportedly infuriated Trump, who immediately announced a halt to trade negotiations with Canada. In addition, he threatened to impose an additional 10 per cent tariff on Canadian goods, though details of how such tariffs would be applied have not been disclosed.

The campaign has become a flashpoint in an already tense trade relationship, stalling Canada’s broader efforts to negotiate relief from US tariffs. Ottawa initially sought a comprehensive trade and security agreement that would include tariff concessions, but recent weeks have seen expectations scaled back, with focus shifting toward limiting tariffs on specific sectors.

Reactions and broader context

Ontario Premier Doug Ford publicly called on Hoekstra to apologise to Paterson, emphasising the need to repair diplomatic relations. “Pete, you’ve gotta call Dave up and apologise. It’s simple. You know, the cheese slipped off the cracker. I get it, you’re ticked off, but call the guy up, because you’re a good guy and Dave’s my champion,” Ford said at a news conference.

Hoekstra has a history of blunt commentary on Canada-US. relations. He has previously described Canadian responses to Trump’s tariffs as “nasty,” highlighting US alcohol boycotts and Canadians choosing vacation destinations outside the US He also downplayed Trump’s repeated taunts about Canada potentially becoming the 51st state, framing them as terms of endearment. However, Trump continued to use the rhetoric, undercutting Hoekstra’s earlier attempts at reassurance.

Reports indicate that Hoekstra’s performance as ambassador was even discussed by Trump during a recent Oval Office meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney. Trump gestured toward Hoekstra, saying, “I want to just acknowledge our great ambassador… Is he doing a good job? … Otherwise, I'll get him out of there.”

The US Embassy declined to comment on the incident when approached by CBC News.

Implications for Canada-US trade relationsThe tirade underscores the stalled progress in Canada-US trade negotiations. Months of efforts to resolve the tariff dispute have failed to yield a broad agreement. Canadian officials have largely shifted their focus to limiting tariffs on select sectors rather than pursuing sweeping trade and security deals.

The Monday confrontation has added a personal dimension to the diplomatic friction, signalling the challenges ahead for officials seeking to restore a functional dialogue on trade. It also highlights the sensitive nature of public messaging and political advertising in the midst of high-stakes international negotiations.