Tens of thousands of Canadians have signed a petition demanding the expulsion of Pete Hoekstra, the U.S. Ambassador to Canada appointed by President Donald Trump. The online petition, slated for presentation in the House of Commons, calls for Hoekstra to be declared persona non grata and urges the Canadian government to request his removal.
The petition, initiated by a Calgary resident, highlights concerns over Hoekstra’s statements that are seen as detrimental to the Canada-U.S. diplomatic ties and his alleged interference in Canadian political affairs contrary to diplomatic norms. The document also proposes a parliamentary review of U.S. diplomatic involvement in Canadian matters.
Currently, the petition has amassed nearly 60,000 signatures, showing a significant increase within a day. Green Party Leader Elizabeth May is set to present the petition in Parliament, emphasizing that MPs can table petitions without necessarily endorsing the content.
One of the key points raised in the petition is Hoekstra’s purported normalization of the Trump administration’s suggestions regarding Canada’s potential annexation by the U.S. Hoekstra’s remarks in June sparked controversy when he suggested that the annexation topic could be discussed between Prime Minister Mark Carney and President Trump.
Hoekstra has faced criticism for his comments on the anti-American tone during Canada’s recent federal election campaign and for his objections to Canadian leaders describing the U.S. tariff actions as a trade war. Despite challenges from Canadian journalists, Hoekstra defended his role in representing the president’s views.
The U.S. Embassy in Ottawa declined to comment on the petition, acknowledging its awareness of the situation. The petition’s call for persona non grata status for Hoekstra is based on the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, allowing a government to revoke diplomatic immunity and expel an individual from the country.
Recent diplomatic expulsions by Canada have targeted representatives from China and India over allegations of foreign interference. In 2023, a Chinese diplomat was declared persona non grata for targeting MP Michael Chong’s family, while six Indian diplomats were expelled in connection with alleged involvement in a campaign against Canadian citizens, linked to the murder of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, B.C.
During Carney’s tenure, efforts have been made to enhance relations with both China and India, despite diplomatic challenges. The petition to remove Hoekstra underscores the growing discontent among Canadians over perceived diplomatic lapses and interference.
