Trump picks former Michigan representative as ambassador to Canada

Photo: Paul Sancya Associated Press Pete Hoekstra spoke at a Donald Trump political rally on May 1, 2024, in Freeland, Michigan. He was then the chairman of the Republican Party in that state.

The Canadian Press in Washington

Published yesterday at 6:35 a.m. Updated yesterday at 10:43 a.m.

• United States

US President-elect Donald Trump has chosen a former congressman to be his incoming administration’s ambassador to Canada.

Mr. Trump said in a statement that Pete Hoekstra will help him “put America first.” In return, Mr. Hoekstra thanked the president-elect on the social network X, saying he was honored.

His nomination still needs to be confirmed by the US Senate.

Pete Hoekstra served as US ambassador to the Netherlands during Mr Trump's first stint in the White House. He served in Congress from 1993 to 2011, representing a district in Michigan.

200% Deposit Bonus up to €3,000 180% First Deposit Bonus up to $20,000

The current U.S. Ambassador to Canada, David Cohen, has held the position since 2021.

“Canada congratulates Pete Hoekstra on his appointment as U.S. Ambassador-designate to Canada,” Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly said on the X Network.

“We look forward to working to strengthen the ties between our two countries, as close allies and neighbours, [and] to continuing to advance our shared priorities.”

See also

• Trump’s new energy council presents opportunities for Canada
• Trump appointees have often criticized Justin Trudeau and Canada
• Quebec worries about economy after Trump’s election, but Ottawa reassures
• Premiers call for two separate deals with U.S. and Mexico

A good sign, according to former ambassadors

Louise Blais, a former Canadian ambassador to the United Nations, said Trump’s choice of ambassador so early in the transition process was a “good sign for Canada-U.S. relations.”

“I also note in the announcement the president-elect’s positive comments on CUSMA, [the trade deal] with Canada and Mexico,” said Blais, who is a senior special advisor to the Business Council of Canada.

In his statement, Trump noted that he had overhauled CUSMA’s predecessor, the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which he called “disastrous” and “the worst trade deal in U.S. history.”

He argued that the new deal put trade trade with Mexico and Canada on an equal footing.

Former U.S. Ambassador to Canada Bruce Heyman, who served under the Obama administration, also believes that Pete Hoekstra’s appointment should be good news for Canada-U.S. relations.

Mr. Heyman, who served in the role from 2014 to 2017, wrote on X that Mr. Hoekstra is experienced, adding that he will have first-hand knowledge and understanding of Canada since he comes from a border state.

The former ambassador also noted that the quick appointment shows the importance of the relationship between the two countries.