‘Always is a long time’: No guarantee US will defend Canada forever, ambassador suggests

“Always is a long time.” U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra answers whether Canada can count on American defence indefinitely—and says the Canada–U.S. relationship has “fundamentally changed.” In this full interview with Jim Csek and Iain Burns, Hoekstra discusses NATO commitments, tariffs, stalled trade talks, border security, energy and competition with China. Asked about an American invasion of Canada, he rules it out. His answer about defending Canada focuses on whether allies fulfil their NATO commitments. The conversation also covers the hosts’ Washington visit, Alberta pipelines, Venezuela, Canadian political activity in the United States, AI and the energy needed to power it. Statements and assessments are attributed to the ambassador and the hosts. CHAPTERS 00:00 Interview highlights 00:58 Welcome and the Washington visit 04:52 Has the Canada–U.S. relationship changed? 08:39 Hoekstra responds to invasion concerns 11:08 “Always is a long time”: defence and NATO commitments 14:43 Immigration, border security and Europe 18:08 Alberta, Venezuela and energy partnerships 19:38 Trade deals, alliances and American jobs 27:32 Canadian political activity and U.S. elections 31:04 Why did the trade talks break down? 33:01 Competition with China, AI and military technology 38:05 Canada’s energy role and closing remarks Support independent media: https://thereallybigshow.ca/support/ More news and interviews: https://thereallybigshow.ca/ Live every weekday at 9 a.m. Pacific / noon Eastern. Subscribe to The Really Big Show with Jim Csek and Iain Burns. #PeteHoekstra #CanadaUS #TheReallyBigShow Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/LncaizMKE7Y