United States

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday November 21 2025

Ambassador Hoekstra’s F-35 Trade Tactics

In the intricate dance of international trade and defence, Canada finds itself at a pivotal crossroads, faced with a partner whose recent actions threaten the foundation of a historically robust relationship. The United States, under the Trump administration, has embarked on a protectionist path, imposing damaging tariffs and infringing upon established trade agreements. This shift not only undermines the economic partnership but also challenges Canada’s sovereignty and strategic autonomy.

News: Future of trade talks depends on Canada’s purchase of American fighter jets, U.S. ambassador says

The economic benefits of trade with the U.S. are undeniable. As the largest economy in the world, the U.S. has been a crucial partner for Canada, providing significant market access and fostering economic growth. However, the recent imposition of tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum, among other products, has cast a shadow over this relationship. These tariffs, justified under questionable pretences, have disrupted trade flows, stalled cooperation on developing electric vehicles, and led to the relocation of manufacturing jobs from Canada to the U.S.

This economic aggression is compounded by rhetoric that frames Canada as a subordinate entity, a so-called “51st state.” Such language is not just diplomatically abrasive; it reveals a mindset that sees Canada’s interests as secondary to U.S. domestic policy goals. In this context, Canada’s exploration of alternatives to the F-35 fighter jet purchase is both a strategic necessity and a principled stand against this encroaching dominance.

The recent public flirtation with Sweden’s Saab Gripen fighters is emblematic of Canada’s broader strategy to diversify its defence and trade partnerships. This move is not merely a negotiating tactic; it is a legitimate response to an ally that has increasingly shown itself to be unpredictable and, at times, adversarial. The Gripen offers not just a competitive alternative in terms of capability but also promises significant job creation and industrial benefits within Canada—elements that the current F-35 deal with the U.S. fails to adequately provide.

Critics, like U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra, have dismissed Canada’s diversification efforts as meddlesome, even as they downplay the aggressive trade policies that have necessitated such measures. It is ironic, and perhaps hypocritical, for Hoekstra to decry Canada’s protective strategies while representing an administration that has blatantly violated trade agreements under the guise of national economic interest.

News: U.S. ambassador expects Trump to resume talks, but warns of challenges

In light of these developments, it is entirely reasonable for Canada to seek defence procurement options that align with its national interests and enhance its strategic autonomy. Diversifying defence partnerships not only insulates Canada from the whims of U.S. policy shifts but also strengthens its position as a sovereign nation capable of making independent decisions.

Ultimately, while the economic ties with the U.S. remain vital, Canada must not be beholden to a partner that views its own prosperity as a zero-sum game. By pursuing alternative defence deals and expanding its global trade relationships, Canada asserts its sovereignty and safeguards its economic future against the uncertainties of U.S. policy. In this new era of trade relations, Canada’s pivot is not just a reaction; it’s a necessary evolution.

---

History Nerd-out

If you’ve been as riveted as I have by Ken Burns’ latest PBS series on the American Revolution, today’s editorial cartoon might tickle your historical fancy. I admit, I’ve indulged in a bit of nerdy nostalgia, but even the most casual history buff knows the gist—I think? I hope?—of North American colonies breaking free from an oppressive mother country to forge their own path. Burns’ documentary adds refreshing layers, showcasing the roles of Indigenous peoples, Blacks, women, and people of all sorts of ethnicities and religions. It’s a far cry from the mythologized tale of white Christian patriots versus white Christian oppressors that many older folks may have been taught in school. These nuanced historical accounts are sure to make any “MAGA” enthusiast clutch their pearls.

To those who prefer their history served with a side of selective memory, I suggest a PBS binge session. It’s a timely reminder that the Revolution was about shaking off oppressive rule. While the U.S. isn’t technically Canada’s “mother country,” it’s hard to ignore how we’ve become the clingy sidekick in this relationship. Pete Hoekstra’s recent remarks about linking a trade deal to Canada buying F-35s? That’s less partnership and more playground bully tactics. It’s almost as if America’s forgotten that taking neighbours for granted didn’t end well for Britain in the 1760s.

So, it’s no surprise Canadians are pushing back against being patronized in our defence choices. Channeling my inner James Gillray, the British cartoonist who had a soft spot for the American rebels, I couldn’t resist taking aim at Pete Hoekstra. In today’s cartoon, he’s the perfect caricature of a loudmouthed ambassador, caught in the act of trying to arm-twist Canada into submission.