OTTAWA — While U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra says Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government is free to do as it wants with its review of purchasing the F-35, he says the debate is nevertheless irritating.

Carney ordered a review of its F-35 purchase back in March, shortly after becoming prime minister, with his then-defence minister saying Carney had done so to ensure it was the best option.

Recommended Videos

It came as the country was in the early stages of dealing with a trade war with U.S. President Donald Trump, with emotions running high over his repeated comments about wanting Canada to become its “51st state.” Concerns also mounted as to the reliability of the U.S. as a trading partner.

Defence Minister David McGuinty has said that the review remains ongoing. The first

See Full Page