Ontario Premier Doug Ford is urging U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra to apologize after reports surfaced of a profanity-laced tirade directed at Ontario’s trade representative, David Paterson, during a high-profile business event in Ottawa.
The incident occurred at the Canadian American Business Council’s annual gala, an event typically meant to celebrate the Canada-U.S. relationship.
Multiple witnesses say Hoekstra confronted Paterson over a recent Ontario government ad campaign that aired in the U.S., criticizing tariffs and featuring audio from a 1987 speech by former President Ronald Reagan.
The ad, which ran during the first two games of the World Series, reportedly infuriated U.S. President Donald Trump, who responded by halting trade talks with Canada and threatening to impose an additional 10 per cent tariff on Canadian goods.
Ford defended the ad, calling it a necessary move to spark conversation and push back against what he described as repeated attacks on Ontario’s economy. “What do they expect me to do? Sit back and roll over?”
Ford said at a news conference Wednesday. He claimed the ad had over a billion impressions and was successful in raising awareness among American lawmakers.
Despite standing by the campaign, Ford acknowledged the ambassador’s reaction was “absolutely unacceptable” and “unbecoming of an ambassador.”
He urged Hoekstra to “bury the hatchet” and personally apologize to Paterson, whom Ford described as “instrumental” in trade negotiations.
“The cheese slipped off the cracker,” Ford said, using a colourful metaphor to describe Hoekstra’s outburst. “I get it, you’re ticked off, but call the guy up because you’re a good guy and Dave’s my champion.”
The U.S. Embassy declined to comment on the incident.
Meanwhile, Ford confirmed the ad has been pulled, but maintained it achieved its goal of starting a dialogue about the impact of tariffs on both sides of the border.
As tensions simmer, Ford said he remains committed to restoring trade talks and emphasized the importance of maintaining strong cross-border relationships.
He and Hoekstra are still expected to appear together at an upcoming American Thanksgiving event in Toronto.
