The annual Fourth of July celebration hosted by the U.S. ambassador to Canada at his official residence has traditionally been one of Ottawa's major social events. However, this year’s gathering was marked by a sense of awkwardness in light of President Trump's previous comments regarding Canada and its status as a nation.
Attendance was noticeably lower compared to previous years, with estimates suggesting the crowd was about half the usual size. The scale of seating and food stations was also reduced. Some attendees reported that they opted to eat before arriving due to long lines in past years, but this year, food was readily available.
Factors such as the concurrent opening of the Calgary Stampede and the weekday timing of Canada Day may have contributed to the smaller turnout. Members of Parliament from both major parties were present, and the local diplomatic community attended in full force.
This year marked Pete Hoekstra's first time hosting the event. Known for his loyalty to Trump, Hoekstra maintained a diplomatic demeanor, avoiding contentious topics during his speech. He humorously suggested that the U.S. would outpace Canada in economic growth, but his comments did not elicit a significant reaction from the audience.
Despite personal reservations about Trump, some attendees expressed a desire to maintain the tradition of attending the party. Former Liberal MP Will Amos noted the importance of the event as a social anchor, while also acknowledging that Canada may need to adopt a more assertive stance in its relationship with the U.S. moving forward.