The Empire Club of Canada
Hybrid
Tuesday, June 3, 2025
As the Canada-U.S. relationship dominates discussions on both sides of the border, the arrival of the U.S. Ambassador to Canada has never been more anticipated.
The new U.S. Ambassador to Canada is integral to addressing the most important issues between the United States and the newly elected Canadian government led by Prime Minister Mark Carney. As our countries’ leaders chart a path forward for the bilateral relationship, it is crucial that Canada builds a positive relationship with the United States’ most senior representative in Canada.
On June 3, 2025, the Empire Club of Canada will partner with the American Chamber of Commerce in Canada (AmCham), to present “A New Era for the Canada-U.S. Relationship,” the first major address in Toronto by the Honorable Pete Hoekstra, Ambassador of the United States to Canada. Ambassador Hoekstra will offer insights into the future of U.S.-Canada relations, followed by a fireside chat moderated by The Honourable Lisa Raitt, Vice-Chair, Global Investment Banking at CIBC Capital Markets.
With billions of dollars’ worth of goods crossing the border daily, the importance of understanding and engaging with the new U.S. Ambassador to Canada cannot be overstated. This event will be invaluable to understand the evolving trade, security, and diplomatic landscape that will define the next era of our relationship with the United States.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this landmark event. Secure your tickets today.
Prior to his nomination as Ambassador to Canada, Pete Hoekstra served as Chairman of the Michigan Republican Party (MIGOP) during the 2024 elections, where his leadership was considered instrumental in delivering a Republican victory. He is also the President of Hoekstra Global Strategies in Holland, Michigan, and a board member of the Council for a Secure America. He served as Ambassador to the Netherlands during the first Trump Administration.
Previously, he served as a Member of Congress from 1993 to 2011 representing Michigan’s 2nd District. He was the Chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence from 2004 to 2007. He was a distinguished fellow at the Heritage Foundation and also a Shillman Senior Fellow at the Investigative Project on Terrorism (IPT).
Earlier in his career, Mr. Hoekstra was a Senior Advisor at the law firms Dickstein Shapiro, Washington, D.C. and Greenberg Taurig, Washington, D.C. He was a director of the Gentex Corporation, Zeeland, Michigan and also served as a Director of the West Michigan Community Bank in Holland, Michigan. He began his career with furniture maker Herman Miller, rising to vice president of marketing.
Mr. Hoekstra received a B.A. from Hope College, Holland, Michigan (1975) and a M.B.A. from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor (1977). He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from Grand Valley State University, Allendale, Michigan, the Hope College Distinguished Alumni Award, the Order of the House of Orange from the Netherlands, the Agency Seal Medal from the CIA and the DNI National Intelligence Distinguished Public Service Medal.
The Honourable Lisa Raitt joined CIBC Capital Markets in January 2020, having previously worked in both the public and private sectors. Ms. Raitt’s current focus is on senior client coverage and business development with clients in the energy, infrastructure and industrial sectors, which align closely with her deep expertise.
Prior to her current role, Ms. Raitt was the President and CEO of the Toronto Port Authority. She was elected into the House of Commons in 2008, where she went on to hold three senior portfolios serving as Minister of Natural Resources, Minister of Labour, and Minister of Transport. Most recently, Ms. Raitt was the Deputy Leader of the Official Opposition and the Conservative Party of Canada.
Ms. Raitt holds a Bachelor of Science degree from St. Francis Xavier University and a master’s degree in Chemistry from the University of Guelph. She possesses an LL.B from Osgoode Hall Law School and was called to the Ontario bar in 1998. In 2020 Ms. Raitt was named a Woodrow Wilson Center Global Fellow of the Canada Institute.
