On 9/11, the small town of Gander, Newfoundland, welcomed thousands of stranded Americans whose flights were redirected after the attacks on the World Trade Centre and the Pentagon.

Twenty-five years later, residents of that very same Atlantic coast community are less enthusiastic about hosting the US ambassador to Canada for commemoration ceremonies on Friday.

Some are even demanding that his invite be rescinded.

The backlash against Ambassador Pete Hoekstra’s visit is one tell-tale sign that the US-Canada relationship is at its lowest point in decades, and a barometer of how many Canadians are feeling about their neighbour to the south.

It is a dramatic reversal in public sentiment from the turn of the century, when Canada served as a safe haven for Americans in the immediate aftermath of 9/11, and when Canadian soldiers later fought alongside US troops in Afghanistan.

The furore around Hoekstra’s attendance led the town council to release a statement last week explaining that inviting US dignitaries is appropriate protocol.

“We understand why people feel strongly about this,” the town said, external.

“We are proud Canadians, and we understand the frustration and disappointment many Canadians are feeling about the current state of the relationship between Canada and the United States.”

It added that its focus is on honouring the 3,000 people who died in the attacks.