Trade Rates and Trash Talks Bring Disgrace to the US Ambassador on July 4th in Ottawa

OTTAWA – The invitation was tantalizing, promising guests an evening of "Kentucky Hospitality" with the theme "Red, White and Bourbon". Too bad that US President Donald Trump spoiled the party.

Kelly Craft, who took over As US ambbadador to Canada last fall, her husband Joe Craft rolled out Wednesday the welcome mat for the annual July 4th banquet with his country of origin that inspired the case.

But in the weeks leading up to the big party, many guests found themselves having to decide to accept American hospitality or boycott The Mayor of Ottawa, Jim Watson, has chosen to give the go-ahead, citing Washington's threats against Canadian industry. "I'm not going to make a big problem." I politely declined because I'm not happy with the direction of the US government and its constant attacks on our country, "Watson said late last month.

NDP leader Jagmeet Singh and the rest of his caucus did not participate. John Fraser, MLA for the Ottawa region and interim leader of the provincial liberals, did not go there, even though he did not go the other years because of vacation in family.

But for all the defections, there were many people The Mexican diplomat Dionisio Pérez Jácome took steps to attend, although his country was a place frequented by many diplomats representing countries that were swept by recent trade measures taken by Washington

. Trump target. "He wanted to celebrate Independence Day with his American friends," said Oscar Mora, press officer at the Mexican Embbady in Ottawa.

The United Kingdom High Commissioner to Canada was back in Britain on Wednesday. The deputy commissioner of the embbady has planned to go in his place, spokesman Trevor Kerr said in an email.

Gen. Jonathan Vance, Chief of the Defense Staff, was present. Liberal MP Andrew Leslie, the Parliamentary Secretary for Canada-US Relations, was about to leave

as did Deputy Chief Lisa Raitt, Michelle Rempel, Erin O-Toole and James Bezan

. It is certainly a stressful time with tariffs, the trade war and the number of Canadian businesses and workers who suffer the consequences. But that's the most important relationship that Canada has and you do not take your ball and do not go home, "said Bezan in an interview

" Not only is the United States our biggest ally, our biggest trading partner. neighbor, but we are family and friends. When family and friends have difficulty, you speak. That's why it's important that we be here tonight to show our support, continue our dialogue. "

The party, located on the expansive lawn of the Ambbadador's residence, overlooking the Ottawa River with the picturesque Gatineau Hills in the background, is typically a big deal. Due to the number, the guests are transported to the house to avoid obstructing the streets of the area with cars parked.At home there are a variety of food and beverage stations.

But there were reports that this year's event was reduced with fewer invitations sent, maybe just 1,000.Furthermore, the festivities began several hours later than in previous years. [19659002GregMacEachernSeniorVicePresidentofGovernmentRelationsatProofStrategiesandformerHillstaffmembersayshedoesnotrecallastrongCabinetinvolvementintheannualJuly4thcelebrationsinOttawa

"I know that it is customary There may be two or three ministers, but it is also the summer and the Parliament has increased. Most members want to go home and want to be in their ridings, "MacEachern said.

"There is always a handful of MPs who participated … But I do not remember mbadive numbers, mbadive attendance, I have"

MacEachern, who had the intention to attend Wednesday's event, said that despite the tensions between Ottawa and Washington, it was still important to do so. promote the commercial interests of its clients to US embbadies. MacEachern said: [TRADUCTION] "It's the reality, it's there that politics and local affairs are separated. Andrew Leslie is going away, and Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson is not, says MacEachern.

"Andrew Leslie must represent a government that, NAFTA or not NAFTA, there is still a lot of trade coming and going. why he needs to be there. "