Ambassador Pete Hoekstra is a remarkable leader whose journey from immigrant beginnings to the forefront of American diplomacy and public service is both inspiring and uplifting. Born in the Netherlands, he moved to the United States as a young child, embracing the opportunities of his new home with determination and resilience. His early life in Holland, Michigan, shaped his strong values and work ethic, which became the foundation of his future success.
After excelling academically, earning a degree from Hope College and an MBA from the University of Michigan, Hoekstra launched a successful career in business, becoming a respected leader at Herman Miller, a global innovator in workplace solutions. However, his passion for serving others drew him to public office, where he made a profound impact as a U.S. Congressman for Michigan.
During his 18 years in Congress, Hoekstra became a trusted voice on national security, education, and workforce development, rising to leadership roles such as Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee. His work demonstrated a commitment to integrity, collaboration, and a forward-thinking approach to governance. As a diplomat, Hoekstra’s tenure as U.S. Ambassador to the Netherlands was marked by fostering economic ties, promoting innovation, and strengthening transatlantic relationships. His role in organizing global summits and advocating for international cooperation showcased his vision for a connected and prosperous world.
Hoekstra’s dedication to service continues in his role as U.S. Ambassador to Canada, where he emphasizes partnership, mutual respect, and shared prosperity between two great nations. His story is one of perseverance, leadership, and an unwavering belief in the power of service to create meaningful change.
I am honored today to officially become the 26th United States Ambassador to Canada. The U.S.-Canada relationship is one of the closest and most extensive bilateral relationships in the world. And I believe we can do so much more together.
We’ve got a big job ahead of us — reviewing and strengthening our strong trading partnership, securing our borders, confronting the deadly threat of fentanyl to our citizens, building our national security cooperation, and fulfilling our alliance commitments. We must also invest in defending North America economically and militarily for the next century.
I congratulate Prime Minister Mark Carney and his party on their election win, and as Ambassador, I look forward to working closely with him and his government. I’m also committed to engaging with Canadians from all walks of life to build on the foundation of collaboration and partnership that our countries enjoy.”
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