July 4 guest list decreases as tariffs increase

As Canada-US relations continue to cool despite the current stalemate, this year's 4th of July celebration at the official residence of the new US Ambbadador to Ottawa will be a more "traditional" affair, according to a former minister.

The annual holiday, which has long been the culmination of the summer social circuit of Ottawa, coincides with the American Independence Day, a national holiday south of the border

. has already sparked controversy when some guests, including Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson, announced that they would boycott the event on US tariffs on Canadian exports such as steel and steel. l & # 39; aluminum.

"I politely refused [the invitation] because I'm not happy with the di The US government and its constant attacks on our country," Watson said last week.

List of guests cropped

Under Craft's predecessor, Bruce Heyman, the guest list at the annual event has grown to over 4,000 people. "[The Heymans] opened his arms to the whole of Ottawa," said Sarah Goldfeder, former employee of the Embbady, ​​at Ottawa Morning . "The fact that [Craft] reduces it and makes it a more modest list is probably appropriate for the tone of the relationship right now."

Craft did not organize the party last year because it had not been confirmed in its role yet.

"Every ambbadador changes the mood according to his own personality," said Goldfeder, who helped prepare the July 4th holiday.

Sarah Goldfeder is a former American diplomat who helped plan the 4th of July celebrations. Ottawa (Darren Major / CBC)

The Growing Boycott

With regards to the mayor's snub, Goldfeder says it's his prerogative.

"It is the decision of Mayor Watson and I think that he explained with much eloquence why he chose to do that," said Goldfeder, noting that he "s not going to do that. other personalities are always expected.

Andrew Leslie, MP for Ottawa The Secretary of Canada-US Relations, like Conservative Spokesperson James Bezan, is expected to attend

but other notable guests, including the Chief Federal NDP Jagmeet Singh and Acting Liberal Leader John Fraser, also declined their invitations. It is a choice to present your opposition to the policies of the administration by not showing up, or trying to change your mind. "

But Goldfeder said that even the limited boycott shows the Americans a side of their Canadian neighbors that they rarely see." 19659002] "There should be some hindsight when your southern neighbor becomes a bit bossy "