The woman leading a petition to have U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra removed from Canada expressed surprise at the overwhelming support the petition has received. The online petition, with over 100,000 signatures so far, calls for Hoekstra to be declared persona non grata and removed from his position as U.S. ambassador to Canada.

Lee Walker, the initiator of the petition based in Calgary, highlighted that the significant number of signatures demonstrates widespread Canadian discomfort with Hoekstra’s alignment with President Trump’s views on Canadian sovereignty. The petition accuses Hoekstra of interfering in Canadian politics and damaging diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Specifically, the petition criticizes Hoekstra for suggesting the annexation of Canada by the U.S. as a viable topic for discussion, a statement deemed inappropriate for an ambassador. The petition also condemns Hoekstra for downplaying the U.S.-Canada trade disputes and influencing Canadian political discourse in a manner inconsistent with diplomatic norms.

In response to the petition, a spokesperson for the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa acknowledged its existence but declined to comment further. Walker emphasized that the petition aims to reinforce the importance of respecting Canada’s sovereignty and sending a message that such behavior from a foreign diplomat is unacceptable.

The petition also calls on the Canadian government to investigate U.S. diplomatic interference in Canadian affairs. With ongoing trade talks between the U.S. and Canada, Walker noted that tensions already exist and emphasized the need to uphold Canada’s sovereignty without compromise.

Green Party Leader Elizabeth May is set to present the petition in the House of Commons in the fall. May expressed amazement at the overwhelming response from Canadians and underscored the duty to address citizens’ concerns through parliamentary processes. She contrasted Hoekstra’s approach unfavorably with that of past U.S. ambassadors who prioritized relationship-building.

May highlighted the significance of the petition as a reflection of Canadian unity and resilience against external pressure. While the outcome of the petition remains uncertain, Walker hopes it will serve as a strong message that inappropriate conduct by a foreign ambassador cannot be overlooked.