U.S. Ambassador Aims for American Spirits to Return to Canada

During his Fourth of July celebration in Ottawa, U. S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra made a political statement regarding Canada’s restrictions on American alcohol, coinciding with the sight of American F-35 fighter jets flying overhead.

Hoekstra expressed his hope from the stage at his official residence that American liquor would be back on Canadian shelves by next year’s Independence Day party.

“Next year, hopefully we can all take a toast of American bourbon legally in the province of Ontario,” Hoekstra said. “And toast the friendship and the relationship between the United States and Canada.”

Last year, several Canadian provinces started removing American liquor from their stores as a response to U. S. tariffs. The U. S. has warned it may take action if sales of American alcohol don’t restart in Canada, which is one of several trade issues causing tension.

This week, delegations from Canada and Mexico were unable to convince the U. S. to extend the Canada-U. S.-Mexico trade agreement for another 16 years-resulting in an annual review process for the next decade.

Hoekstra has been urging Canada to proceed with purchasing 88 American stealth fighter jets. He shared with attendees that he had something “special” planned while revealing that two F-35s from Wisconsin were set to fly over alongside two Canadian CF-18 hornets.

U. S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra is joined by his wife Diane as he delivers a political message at an Independence Day party in Ottawa. (Justin Tang/The Canadian Press)

The Carney government initiated a review in March 2025 concerning its nearly $28-billion purchase of F-35 jets due to U. S. President Donald Trump’s threats regarding annexation and tariffs affecting Canadian steel, aluminum, and auto sectors.

Hoekstra announced that Canada will receive its first F-35s on Oct. 14 at Luke Air Force Base in Phoenix, Ariz., which serves as a major training site for these aircraft-a date that has not been disclosed publicly until now. Canada is committed under contract to buy at least 16 of these planes.

He mentioned on Oct. 14 that Canada will also own “the most advanced aircraft in the world.”

U. S. Air Force F-35s and Royal Canadian Air Force CF-18s fly over Lornado, the official residence of the U. S. ambassador to Canada. (Justin Tang/The Canadian Press)

Bridge ‘leverage’

In his speech focused on collaboration between Canada and the U. S., Hoekstra touched on ongoing matters including delays related to the Gordie Howe International Bridge opening and existing tariffs. For more than a year now, Canadian steel and aluminum have faced tariffs as high as 50 percent from the U. S.

“We’ve got a few little issues to work out,” Hoekstra said. “We’ve got to figure out this bridge thing. We’ve got to figure out some tariffs.… We’re going to get over this. We’re going to get through it.”

Hoekstra indicated during discussions with and New York Times at the event that there might be some leverage regarding bridge construction since a permit was issued by the U. S Coast Guard allowing it.

“The permit is the administrative thing that gives you some leverage,” Hoekstra said. “But there’s all kinds of leverage. And it’s not a leverage point; we just want fair terms.”

A month ago, Prime Minister Trudeau stated that delays in opening were requested by officials from the United States because there were “a few issues raised.”

When asked about those issues, Hoekstra responded: “the issue is that project costs came in significantly higher than expected.”

WATCH | $6.4B price tag for Gordie Howe bridge has not gone up, even with delays:

$6.4B price tag for Gordie Howe bridge has not gone up , even with delays : WDBAAlthough $6.4 billion remains unchanged since its announcement back in 2024 despite multiple delays according to Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority , CBC Windsor’s Emma Loop explains why.

‘We all want it open’

The cost of constructing new Gordie Howe International Bridge linking Windsor , Ont., with Detroit stays at $6.4 billion Cdn even after various delays.

The entire cost was covered upfront by Canadian taxpayers , who plan on recouping expenses via tolls over many years. Afterward , revenue will be shared between Michigan state co-owner & Canada.

Recently , Hoekstra pointed out how people think only Canadians funded construction &quot ; is one big myth”. He explained during an interview on The Food Professor podcast stating while they put money forward initially , actually those using bridge will pay off construction costs.

On Saturday during discussions involving Secretary Of Commerce Howard Lutnick along side talks held among minister responsible for US -Canada trade Dominic Le Blanc also took place recently according him ; communication occurred past week likely leading into additional conversations occurring shortly thereafter too.

&quot ; This project’s obviously gonna wrap up !&quot ; remarked Ambassodor Hoopksta attending July four celebrations addressing alongwith New York Times attendees emphasizing importance obtaining agreement first before any opening could occur swiftly.&nbsp ;

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