The Bridge with Peter Mansbridge Good Talk Encore: Taking on the U.S. Ambassador, Was It About Time?
Dec 24, 2025
The U.S. ambassador's tense exchange with Colin Robertson highlights escalating friction in Canada-U.S. relations. Chantal Hébert argues the ambassador is catering to Washington's narrative, while Bruce Anderson criticizes his provocative approach. Discussions on preclearance threats and tourism drop raise concerns about diplomatic impacts. The panel explores Canada diversifying trade and negotiating with an unpredictable U.S. amid looming federal deficits and electoral risks. It's a lively debate on diplomacy, misinformation, and economic strategies.
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Ambassador's Tone Fuels Canada–U.S. Tension
- U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra has repeatedly provoked Canadians and escalated tensions during public exchanges.
- His tone and claims (e.g., 51st state, fentanyl) undermined diplomatic norms and inflamed bilateral friction.
Preclearance Threat Risks Tourism And Trust
- Threatening to end U.S. preclearance at Canadian airports would hurt tourism and bilateral cooperation.
- Chantal Hébert warns that removing preclearance would make Canadians more fearful of U.S. travel and worsen relations.
Disruptive Envoys Undermine Diplomatic Norms
- Appointing disruptive envoys erodes diplomatic norms and amplifies misinformation.
- Bruce Anderson argues this hampers crisis-era diplomacy when steady, factual engagement is most needed.