Pete Hoekstra says he can reach Donald Trump by phone after a text, and Playbook Canada warns that multiple open ambassadorships in Washington, London and Brussels could weaken Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s minority government if sitting MPs accept diplomatic posts. The hosts identify likely MP departures, explain why the timing of resulting by-elections is politically risky, and feature an interview with Ambassador Hoekstra. The episode also covers Steven Guilbeault’s policy break with the Liberals and a recent surge in Conservative momentum.
Trump’s Envoy in Ottawa: Hoekstra’s Direct Line — And Why Open Ambassadorships Could Threaten Trudeau’s Minority
'I text and he calls back — sometimes,' U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra quipped about his direct line to Donald Trump.
This week Playbook Canada points to another caller on that line: the fragile arithmetic of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s minority government. Parliament may be edging toward its winter recess, but a cascade of vacant ambassadorial posts — notably in Washington, London and Brussels — could complicate the government's hold on power if Liberal MPs depart for diplomatic postings.
Why It Matters
If several sitting Liberal MPs accept ambassadorships, their resignations would trigger by-elections. In a minority Parliament, even a handful of lost seats can alter the balance of power and force high-stakes political decisions about when to schedule those contests. Playbook Canada hosts Nick Taylor-Vaisey and Mickey Djuric break down which MPs are most likely to be tapped for foreign posts, how many Liberal seats could be left vacant, and why the timing of any by-elections is unusually consequential.
On This Episode
- Exclusive interview: Ambassador Pete Hoekstra discusses his relationship with former President Trump and his role in Ottawa.
- Political analysis: Which MPs might be headed abroad and how those departures could affect Trudeau’s minority government.
- Party dynamics: A look at Steven Guilbeault’s recent break with Liberal policy while remaining in the party, and what that signals about internal tensions.
- Momentum watch: Why Conservatives appear to be gaining traction in current political polling and commentary.
“Appointments abroad aren’t just personnel moves — they can shift power at home,” the hosts argue.
Listen and subscribe to the Playbook Canada podcast wherever you get your podcasts for the full interview and episode analysis.
