HALIFAX - U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra expressed his disappointment over the use of the phrase "elbows up" by Canadians, labeling it as anti-American. He made these comments during a lunch event organized by the Halifax Chamber of Commerce.

Hoekstra also criticized the term "trade war" used to describe the economic tensions between the two nations. He argued that if the U.S. and Canada were truly in a trade war, Canada would not enjoy what he referred to as the best tariff rate in the world.

The remarks come as Canada, the U.S., and Mexico prepare for a significant review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement, scheduled for next year. Discussions regarding this review are currently taking place behind the scenes.

In response to Hoekstra's comments, Canadian Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne stated on Wednesday that it is unfortunate the U.S. has distanced itself from Canada by initiating what he termed a trade war.