'Isolated event': US ambassador dismisses Canadian travel warning, denies widespread phone searches at border
US ambassador Pete Hoekstra (Image credits: AP)
The American ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra defended US border practices, rejecting Ottawa's recent travel warning that advised Canadians to prepare for possible phone searches and detentions when entering the United States.
Hoekstra told The Canadian Press that while some Canadians may have had negative experiences, these are isolated incidents and not reflective of broader US policy.
'If a Canadian has had a disappointing experience coming into the United States, I'm not denying that it happened, but I'm saying it's an isolated event and it is not a pattern, 'Hoekstra said.
'Searching devices and all of that is not a well-founded fear.
We don't do that. America is a welcoming place.'
In April, the Canadian government updated its travel advisory, warning citizens about potential scrutiny at US ports of entry, including searches of electronic devices. There have been multiple reports of Canadians facing intense questioning, phone checks, and even detainment at the border.
Hoekstra pushed back on those claims, while also noting that some American travellers to Canada have reported similarly cold receptions.
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'I've heard that from Americans coming into Canada as well, OK? Saying, 'You know, we've not received a warm reception when we've gotten to Canadian customs,'' he said.
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), in response, said all officers are expected to follow a code of conduct that promotes fairness, respect, and professionalism.
'Treating people with respect, dignity and fairness is fundamental to our border services officers' relationship with the public,' CBSA spokeswoman Karine Martel said.
Hoekstra said the decision to travel is up to individuals, but added that those who stay away from the US are 'missing an opportunity.'
Travel between Canada and the US has dropped, with airlines cutting flights due to decreased demand. According to Flight Centre Travel Group Canada, there was a nearly 40 per cent drop in year-over-year flights between the two countries in February.
A recent survey by Leger Marketing for the Association for Canadian Studies found that 52 per cent of Canadians believe it's no longer safe for all Canadians to travel to the US.
A similar number said they personally feel unwelcome in the US.
Concerns have also been raised by LGBTQ2S+ groups, some of which have opted out of attending World Pride in Washington and United Nations events in New York, citing increased scrutiny at the border amid the Trump administration's rollback of protections for transgender and nonbinary individuals.
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