The U.S. Ambassador to Canada, Pete Hoekstra, is disputing Ottawa's updated travel advice warning Canadians about potential device searches and detainment at the U.S. border, calling such incidents 'isolated' and 'not a pattern.' He insists the U.S. is welcoming and doesn't routinely search devices, while also noting similar complaints from Americans entering Canada. The article highlights a recent survey showing many Canadians feel unsafe or unwelcome in the U.S., and LGBTQ+ groups opting out of U.S. events due to border scrutiny under the Trump administration.
U.S. envoy says Canadians facing device searches, detainment at border ‘not a pattern’
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️The U.S. Ambassador to Canada, Pete Hoekstra, is disputing Ottawa's updated travel advice warning Canadians about potential device searches and detainment at the U.S. border, calling such incidents 'isolated' and 'not a pattern.' He insists the U.S. is welcoming and doesn't routinely search devices, while also noting similar complaints from Americans entering Canada. The article highlights a recent survey showing many Canadians feel unsafe or unwelcome in the U.S., and LGBTQ+ groups opting out of U.S. events due to border scrutiny under the Trump administration.
Trending- 1 February: Flight Centre Travel Group Canada reported a nearly 40% drop in flights between Canada and the U.S. year-over-year.
- 2 April: Ottawa updated its travel advice for Canadians traveling to the United States.
- 3 Early May: A survey by Leger Marketing found 52% of Canadians feel that 'it is no longer safe for all Canadians travelling to the United States'.
- 4 Last month: CNN journalist Christiane Amanpour prepared to visit the U.S. with a 'burner phone'.
- 5 Friday: U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra gave an interview to The Canadian Press.
- Diplomatic disagreement between the U.S. and Canada regarding border practices
- Reduced travel demand between Canada and the U.S.
- A significant portion of Canadians feeling unsafe or unwelcome in the U.S.
- LGBTQ+ groups opting against attending U.S.-based international events
- Ongoing public debate about border policies and treatment of travelers
What: U.S. Ambassador to Canada, Pete Hoekstra, is pushing back on Ottawa's updated travel advice for Canadians traveling to the United States, which warns of potential scrutiny at ports of entry, including electronic device searches and detainment. Hoekstra insists these are isolated events and not a pattern, stating the U.S. is welcoming and does not routinely search devices. He also noted similar complaints from Americans entering Canada. A recent survey indicates many Canadians feel unsafe or unwelcome in the U.S., and LGBTQ+ groups are avoiding U.S. events due to perceived border scrutiny under the Trump administration's policies.
When: Ambassador Hoekstra's interview was on Friday. Ottawa updated its travel advice in April. Flight Centre Travel Group Canada reported a drop in flights in February. The Leger Marketing survey was conducted in early May. CNN journalist Christiane Amanpour prepared to visit the U.S. last month.
Where: U.S.-Canada border, United States, Canada, Washington (D.C.) for World Pride, New York for United Nations events.
Why: Ottawa updated its travel advice due to reports of intensified scrutiny, phone searches, and detainment of Canadians at the U.S. border. Hoekstra's pushback aims to reassure Canadians and encourage travel, arguing that fears about device searches are 'not well-founded.' Americans have expressed similar concerns about Canadian customs. LGBTQ+ groups are avoiding U.S. events due to the Trump administration scaling back protections for transgender and nonbinary people, leading to concerns about border treatment.
How: Diplomatic statements (Hoekstra's interview), government travel advisories, public surveys, reports from travelers, and decisions by organizations (LGBTQ+ groups) to alter travel plans.