Tens of thousands of Canadians have signed a petition demanding the expulsion of U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra from Canada. The online petition, to be presented in the House of Commons, urges the Canadian government to declare Hoekstra persona non grata and seek his removal as the U.S. ambassador. The petition, initiated by a Calgary resident, criticizes Hoekstra for statements undermining Canada-U.S. relations and interfering in Canadian politics outside diplomatic norms.
As of Wednesday morning, nearly 60,000 individuals have signed the petition, doubling the count from 24 hours earlier. It also calls for a parliamentary committee to review U.S. diplomatic interference in Canadian affairs. Green Party Leader Elizabeth May will present the petition in Parliament, emphasizing concerns that Hoekstra has normalized the Trump administration’s threats regarding Canada’s annexation.
Hoekstra sparked controversy by suggesting Canada’s annexation by the U.S. would be a fitting topic for discussion between Prime Minister Mark Carney and President Donald Trump. At a Halifax event, Hoekstra expressed disappointment at the perceived anti-American sentiment during Canada’s recent federal election campaign. He has criticized Canadian leaders for characterizing the Trump administration’s tariff actions as a trade war and for discouraging travel to the U.S. and removing American liquor from shelves.
In response to Canadian journalists challenging his remarks, Hoekstra defended his role as a spokesperson for the President. The U.S. Embassy in Ottawa, while acknowledging the petition, refrained from commenting on the matter. The petition seeks to use the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations to strip Hoekstra of diplomatic immunity and compel his departure from Canada.
Recent history shows Canada’s willingness to expel diplomats, notably with China and India. In 2023, Canada expelled a Chinese diplomat for allegedly targeting a Canadian MP’s family, while six Indian diplomats were ousted a year later following accusations of government-driven campaigns against Canadian citizens. The federal government, under Carney’s leadership, has endeavored to enhance relations with China and India.
The petition’s traction underscores growing discontent with Hoekstra’s actions, with Canadians voicing concerns over diplomatic protocol breaches and political interference.