British Columbia Premier David Eby criticized U.S. officials for their insensitive comments, including the U.S. ambassador to Canada’s statement that President Donald Trump views Canadians as “nasty” due to U.S. boycotts. Eby expressed disbelief at the lack of understanding from U.S. leadership about the repercussions of such remarks during an interview on CBC’s “Power & Politics” in Huntsville, Ont. He emphasized that Canadians are rightfully outraged by these comments.
Ambassador Pete Hoekstra made the controversial remarks about Canadians avoiding U.S. travel and alcohol consumption while speaking at the Pacific NorthWest Economic Region Foundation summit in Bellevue, Wash. Audio recordings of the ambassador’s comments were shared with the Canadian Press by Eby’s office, which received the recording from an audience member.
Eby commended Canadians for their efforts to stand up to Trump, noting that Hoekstra’s comments indicate that the actions taken by Canadians are making an impact. The ambassador’s remarks came in response to questions about boosting travel between Vancouver and Seattle for next year’s FIFA World Cup games. Hoekstra acknowledged Canadians’ decisions to stay home and avoid American products, attributing Trump’s negative perception of Canada to these actions.
In response to Hoekstra’s statements, a U.S. Embassy spokesperson highlighted the importance of fostering a positive relationship between the two countries and expressed optimism about the future of U.S.-Canada relations. Eby urged Canadians to continue their stance while acknowledging that everyday Americans do not necessarily share the same sentiments as their government.
Following Trump’s imposition of tariffs on Canadian goods, several provinces, including British Columbia, prohibited the sale of U.S. alcohol in government-run stores. This move has led to a decline in cross-border travel as some Canadians opt to cancel their trips to the U.S.