WASHINGTON (Michigan News Source) – Michigan native Pete Hoekstra made a point to classify Canada as a sovereign nation during his U.S. ambassador confirmation hearing before the U.S. Senate on Thursday.

Hoekstra promised if confirmed as Ambassador to Canada that he would work to strengthen ties with America’s northern neighbor and advancing President Donald Trump’s America-first agenda.  “I do have a special appreciation for Canada as a neighbor,” said Hoekstra. He also served as the ambassador to the Netherlands during Trump’s first term. Last year, he took over the crumbling Michigan GOP and saw the state’s 15 electoral votes go to President Trump.

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In addition, Hoekstra testified that if confirmed as Ambassador to Canada, he will “make Canada and the United States safer, stronger and more prosperous.”

Michigan News Source reached out to Hoekstra earlier this week for a comment, but he said he would not talk until after the confirmation.