Canadian politicians and experts are expressing strong opposition to U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra's remarks regarding anti-American sentiment in Canada. Hoekstra's comments came after U.S. President Donald Trump imposed tariffs that have affected Canadian industries.

Flavio Volpe, president of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers' Association and a member of the prime minister's Canada-U.S. relations council, criticized Hoekstra's statements. "When you kick the dog, you can't blame it for snarling back," Volpe said. He described Hoekstra's approach as "gaslighting 101" and suggested that the ambassador should learn more about effective Canada-U.S. diplomacy.

During an event hosted by the Halifax Chamber of Commerce, Hoekstra expressed disappointment over the lack of enthusiasm among Canadians for the American-Canadian relationship. He stated, "You ran a campaign where it was anti-American, elbows up, me too. You know, that was an anti-American campaign. That has continued. That's disappointing."

Volpe responded to Hoekstra's comments, saying, "He knows exactly what he's doing when he makes those statements. This is his style. I don't know what his objective is, but maybe his audience is actually in Washington rather than across this country." He added that he tries to ignore Hoekstra's rhetoric.

Canadian novelist Stephen Marche also weighed in, stating that Hoekstra is not suited for fostering good relations between the two countries. "He is the person you send to a country to alienate it. He is a person who obviously has no interest in maintaining really decent U.S.-Canadian relations," Marche said. He echoed Volpe's sentiment, suggesting that Canadians should ignore Hoekstra's comments.

In an interview set to air on Sunday, Conservative House Leader Andrew Scheer remarked that Canadians will naturally react negatively to foreign tariffs or threats of annexation. "We are different, we are distinct. I don't like to define Canada in the negative. I like to define Canada in the positive," Scheer said. He emphasized Canada's proud history and identity.

Hoekstra also criticized a Canadian cabinet minister's use of war-related language, which he believes does not help relations. Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne had referred to a "war" in the context of Canada's economic challenges, stating, "We've been there during the war when it came to aluminum, we've been there during the war when it came to steel."

In response to Hoekstra's comments, Champagne maintained a diplomatic tone, acknowledging the impact of tariffs on various sectors in Canada. He stated, "The tariffs have been impacting a number of works and sectors in Canada like we have not seen in a very long time or ever."

Hoekstra defended the tariffs, arguing that they have improved the competitive position of countries selling products to the U.S. He remarked, "Your relative position has improved," and noted that the Canadian cabinet describes the relationship as one where America has turned its back.

Volpe countered Hoekstra's claims, saying, "Everybody was better off nine months ago, including Canada." He expressed confusion over Hoekstra's perspective, suggesting that the ambassador may not fully understand the current economic landscape.