Tens of thousands of Canadians have signed a petition demanding the expulsion of Pete Hoekstra, the U.S. Ambassador to Canada, citing actions that undermine diplomatic relations between the two countries. The online petition, which is gaining momentum with almost 60,000 signatures, calls for Hoekstra to be declared persona non grata and removed from his position.
The petition, initiated by a Calgary resident and to be presented in the House of Commons by Green Party Leader Elizabeth May, accuses Hoekstra of interfering in Canadian political matters and normalizing threats of annexation by the United States. Hoekstra sparked controversy when he suggested that Canada’s annexation by the U.S. could be a topic for discussion between Prime Minister Mark Carney and President Donald Trump.
In response to criticisms, Hoekstra defended his actions by stating that he is representing the president’s views. The U.S. Embassy in Ottawa has acknowledged the petition, though declined to provide further comment on the matter.
The petition also calls for a parliamentary review of U.S. diplomatic interference in Canadian affairs. Notably, the expulsion of diplomats, such as those from China and India in recent years, has been cited as a precedent for declaring individuals persona non grata under the UN’s Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.