US ambassador to Canada Kelly Craft receives suspicious package and death threats

A package containing a suspicious substance and death threats was sent to Kelly Craft, the U.S. ambassador to Canada. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was one of at least two Canadian officials who immediately expressed support for Craft.

A white powder in the package was determined to be harmless. The parcel was discovered by a mail-room employee at the ambassador's residence and police were contacted. A letter full of expletives and with death threats directed at Craft, Trump and Trump's family was also in the package. Officials did not go into further details as to what was in the letter.

Tensions high between Canada and United States

There have been several events that have raised tensions between the two countries. Trump's decision to impose tariffs on steel and aluminum on the grounds that Canada is a security threat is one important source of tension. Canada has responded by imposing equivalent tariffs on US goods including whiskey.

Another, is Trump's failure to support the final communique after the recent meeting of the G7. Trump criticized Trudeau as dishonest and weak after his refusal to sign the joint statement.

The two countries are also unable so far to reach a NAFTA agreement with the US along with Mexico. Trump had been using the threat of tariffs against Canada and Mexico in order to put pressure on the two countries to reach an agreement. The US also has placed tariffs on Canadian softwood lumber and has even threatened to put tariffs on the auto sector. Trump regularly complains about Canada's supply management system in the dairy sector. Trump regularly threatens to leave the pact.

The US has also placed tariffs on Canadian softwood lumber and has threatened to add tariffs in the auto sector.

The situation was not helped when the White House trade adviser, Peter Navarro said in a Fox News interview on June 10 that there was a special place in hell reserved for Trudeau. He later apologized for his wording. Larry Kudlow, Trump's economic adviser, also supported Trump by claiming that Trudeau "kind of stabbed us in the back".

Trudeau and Freeland react

Trudeau's office said that he called Craft today to check on her welfare Chrystia Freeland, the minister of foreign affairs, in a tweet expressed her support:“I also expressed my support for the Ambassador following the wholly unacceptable threat made against her.She does an essential and difficult job and Canada respects her service.”

Some media members to boycott Craft's 4th of July party

The ambassador's 4th of July bash for US Independence Day typically attracts up to 5,000 people. It will be the first party for the event to be held by Craft who took up her post last October. Usually many MPs and government officials attend. However some prominent Canadian media members say they will not attend and suggested cabinet ministers do likewise.

This year the party celebrates "Red, White, and Bourbon" in deference to Craft's home state of Kentucky noted for its bourbon whiskey. This is somewhat ironic in that the party takes place just a few days after Canada's whiskey tariffs are to go into effect on July 1.