U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra criticized Canada for its recent advertising campaign, which he claims interfered in U.S. electoral politics. Speaking at the National Manufacturing Conference in Ottawa, Hoekstra accused Canada of foreign meddling, particularly due to the timing of the ads, which targeted President Donald Trump just days before the recent elections.

"Targeting the president of the United States and his policies 10 days before an election, in a couple of weeks before a Supreme Court case would be heard," Hoekstra stated. He emphasized that running government-funded political ads in the U.S. would provoke a reaction from the Trump administration.

The ambassador's comments come after the Ontario government aired an ad featuring former President Ronald Reagan criticizing tariffs. This ad, which cost approximately $75 million, was broadcast during the World Series, further escalating tensions between the two countries. Following the ad's release, Trump halted trade negotiations and threatened to impose additional tariffs on Canadian goods.

Hoekstra expressed frustration over the situation, saying, "I go around the country and people will say, Pete you just don't understand why we're so mad about the 51st state and it's kind of like, yeah, you're right, I don't." He noted that Canadians are questioning why the U.S. reacted strongly to the ad.

He warned Canada against engaging in U.S. electoral politics through advertising, suggesting it could set a dangerous precedent. "If Canada wants to insert itself and create a new precedent that you're going to participate in our electoral politics, through advertising targeting the president of the United States and his policies, I just I would, I would suggest that you seriously consider whether that is the best way to try to achieve your objectives in the United States of America," he said.

Hoekstra also referred to a previous incident where he reportedly used strong language directed at Ontario’s trade representative, David Paterson, during a Canadian American Business Council event.

Despite the tensions, Hoekstra remains hopeful about resuming trade negotiations, although he acknowledged the challenges ahead. "I think we can [restart negotiations]. But it's not going to be easy," he said. He urged Canada to collaborate closely with the U.S. to navigate the trade process and work towards reducing tariffs.

Hoekstra indicated that while tariffs are likely to remain for now, there is potential for them to decrease once an agreement is reached. He pointed to a trade pact with the U.K. as a possible model for future negotiations. "I've talked with the Canadian government and encouraged them to just really work closely with us in going through that process and get into the lowest tariff bucket that the United States of America will have," he said.

As the situation develops, both countries will need to address the underlying issues that have strained their trade relationship.