A Calgary-based woman leading a petition to expel Pete Hoekstra, the U.S. Ambassador to Canada, has expressed surprise at the overwhelming support the petition has garnered. The online petition, which has amassed over 100,000 signatures, calls for Hoekstra to be declared persona non grata and for his removal as the U.S. ambassador. The petitioner, Lee Walker, stated that the significant response indicates widespread discomfort among Canadians regarding Hoekstra’s alignment with Trump’s viewpoints on Canadian sovereignty.
The petition accuses Hoekstra of jeopardizing diplomatic relations between Canada and the U.S. by interfering in Canadian political matters and normalizing the Trump administration’s threats to annex Canada. Walker emphasized that an ambassador’s words carry weight and should not promote such rhetoric, as it can have serious consequences.
In response to the petition, the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa declined to comment, acknowledging its awareness of the petition. The petition also urges the Liberal government to investigate U.S. diplomatic interference in Canadian affairs through a parliamentary committee review.
Green Party Leader Elizabeth May will present the petition in Parliament, emphasizing the unprecedented level of public engagement in the matter. May highlighted the importance of fostering relationships as a diplomat, contrasting Hoekstra’s approach with that of past ambassadors who prioritized diplomacy and mutual respect.
The petition’s presentation coincides with ongoing trade negotiations between Canada and the U.S. as both countries strive to reach a trade agreement before impending tariff escalations. Despite uncertainties about the government’s response to the petition, Walker hopes it will send a clear message that unacceptable behavior from a foreign ambassador will not be overlooked.