The neutral stance contrasts with historic American policy, such as when former President Bill Clinton advocated for a unified Canada during the 1895 Quebec referendum campaign.
"Canada has stood for all of us as a model of how people of different cultures can live and work together in peace, prosperity and respect," said Bill Clinton.
Hoekstra maintained that he does not anticipate receiving any official directives to intervene in the domestic democratic process.
"I'm not going to get a directive, I don't believe, from the President of the United States, from our Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, that says, 'Pete, go out there and do what you can to advocate for, secession or for the people of Alberta to vote to stay as part of the Confederation,'" said Hoekstra.
The ambassador also brushed off domestic pushback that followed remarks from U. S.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who had characterized Albertans as independent people desiring what the United States possesses.
"Canadians get upset about a number of things," said Hoekstra.
Hoekstra added that he chooses not to dwell on statements made by Canadian politicians regarding American political matters.
"There are lots of instances of Canadian politicians saying things about American politics or American policies and those types of things that I'm not happy about," said Hoekstra.
The ambassador concluded by emphasizing his approach to these cross-border rhetorical exchanges.
"I don't focus on them," said Hoekstra.
Former Canadian Ambassador Weighs In
Former Canadian Ambassador to the U. S.
