Former congressman Pete Hoekstra has been nominated to be the ambassador to Canada by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump beginning next year.
“In my second term, Pete will help me once again put America first,” said Trump in a statement released on Wednesday.
“I am confident that he will continue to represent our country well in this new role.”
Hoesktra, who had previously served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1993 until 2011, said he was honoured by the “opportunity to serve.”
However, he will first need to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate before he can assume the position, a process which won’t occur until early 2025.
He also served as Trump’s ambassador to the Netherlands from 2016-2020.
David Cohen is the current U.S. ambassador to Canada, holding the position since 2021.
The top-of-mind issue facing the relationship between Canada and the US is trade, as Trump has promised to swiftly impose tariffs on imports once in office.
Hoesktra was involved in negotiating the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement under Trump’s first administration.
The president-elect spoke with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau after winning the election and according to a readout from the phone call, “trade and security issues” were the primary concerns discussed.
A source told CBC News that the two also discussed the tariffs recently opposed by the Trudeau government on Chinese-made electric vehicles, aluminum and steel.
The Canadian government announced a 100% tariff on Chinese electric vehicle imports and a 25% tariff on imported steel and aluminum earlier this summer which came into effect on Oct. 1.
Trump also raised concerns about China flooding the US market with fentanyl.