Despite ongoing trade tensions and the continued imposition of tariffs on Canadian exports, there is cautious optimism for a more collaborative future between the United States and Canada, according to U.S. Ambassador to Canada, Pete Hoekstra. While speaking in a televised interview on The West Block with Mercedes Stephenson, Hoekstra acknowledged that the tariffs imposed under President Donald Trump’s administration may not be entirely eliminated under a new trade deal. However, he emphasized that the groundwork is being laid for a stronger and more resilient bilateral relationship.

Hoekstra, reflecting on recent diplomatic engagements, pointed to Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit to the White House as a pivotal moment in redefining the tone of U.S.-Canada relations. He noted that this visit underscored mutual commitments to deepening economic and security collaboration. “People have talked about a restart or a reset, and I kind of shy away from that,” Hoekstra remarked. “Yes, we had a few rough months, but we already have strong economic, national security, and personal ties. There’s a deep foundation here.”

The ambassador indicated that while full tariff removal is unlikely, Canada can anticipate adjustments in the rates and scope of tariffs currently in place. He drew a parallel with the recent U.S.-UK trade framework, which maintained a 10 percent baseline tariff on certain goods while facilitating broader American access to British markets. This, Hoekstra explained, is emblematic of the type of trade model the Trump administration may pursue with Canada maintaining some level of protectionism while enabling increased bilateral economic integration.

Since assuming office, President Trump has imposed significant tariffs on a variety of Canadian goods, citing national security and public safety concerns. These include a 25 percent tariff on key industrial exports such as steel and aluminum, as well as a 10 percent tariff on energy products. Additionally, Canadian sectors like automotive and softwood lumber have faced escalated duties, with the administration linking the tariffs to issues such as cross-border migration and the inflow of illicit substances like fentanyl.

Despite these economic strains, Hoekstra conveyed a sense of mutual ambition between the two leaders. “Watching the prime minister and the president, they both want that same outcome a prosperous, forward-looking relationship,” he said. “There are tough issues to work through, no doubt. But there’s a shared vision of building a framework that supports growth for both countries.”

While specific details of the potential trade agreement remain under negotiation, the ambassador’s comments signal a pragmatic, if cautious, approach to reshaping U.S.-Canada trade dynamics. The hope, he added, is that both nations can move beyond the current frictions to achieve a comprehensive partnership that reinforces long-standing cross-border ties.