Tens of thousands of Canadian citizens have signed a petition urging the expulsion of the U.S. Ambassador to Canada, Pete Hoekstra. The online petition, scheduled for submission to the House of Commons later this year, advocates for Hoekstra’s removal and the Canadian government’s formal request for his departure from his diplomatic post.
The petition, initiated by a Calgary resident, highlights concerns about Hoekstra’s alleged interference in Canadian politics and his actions that are deemed contrary to diplomatic norms, jeopardizing the Canada-U.S. relationship. It also calls for a parliamentary committee to investigate U.S. diplomatic involvement in Canadian affairs.
As of Wednesday morning, the petition had garnered nearly 60,000 signatures, doubling within 24 hours. Green Party Leader Elizabeth May is set to present the petition in Parliament, emphasizing that tabling a petition does not imply endorsement of its contents by Members of Parliament.
Hoekstra sparked controversy by suggesting that Canada’s annexation by the U.S. could be a plausible topic for discussion between Prime Minister Mark Carney and President Donald Trump. This statement, along with Hoekstra’s previous remarks, has fueled the push for his removal.
The U.S. Embassy in Ottawa acknowledged the petition, refraining from further comments. The declaration of persona non grata, as stipulated in the UN’s Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, enables a host country to revoke diplomatic immunity and expel an individual.
Recent expulsions of diplomats from China and India on grounds of foreign interference serve as precedents for such actions. In past instances, Canada expelled a Chinese diplomat for allegedly targeting a Canadian MP’s family and six Indian officials following accusations of government-led campaigns against Canadian citizens.
The petition to remove Hoekstra underscores growing discontent with his conduct and its potential impact on bilateral relations. Despite the diplomatic tensions, efforts under Carney’s administration aim to foster improved ties with China and India.