U.S. ambassador presses Canada on booze, tariffs and bridge delays

U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra used a Fourth of July event in Ottawa to make a political point about trade and bilateral tensions, while also highlighting military ties between the two countries. During the speech at the ambassador’s official residence, Hoekstra said he hoped American bourbon could return to store shelves in Ontario by next year. Several Canadian provinces removed U.S. liquor in response to American tariffs, and the issue remains part of broader trade friction between Ottawa and Washington. Hoekstra also discussed the stalled opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, saying the United States and Canada still need to resolve remaining issues. He said the bridge is expected to open, and he pointed to ongoing talks about tariffs, the bridge project and Canada’s planned purchase of F35 fighter jets.