A Calgary woman leading a petition to expel U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra from Canada is overwhelmed by the massive support the campaign has garnered. The online petition, slated for submission to the House of Commons later this year, demands that Hoekstra be designated persona non grata and urges the Canadian government to seek his removal as the U.S. ambassador.
The petition, spearheaded by Lee Walker, has already amassed over 100,000 signatures, indicating widespread unease among Canadians regarding Hoekstra’s alignment with President Trump’s policies on Canadian sovereignty. Walker expressed surprise at the petition’s traction, highlighting the broad concern over Hoekstra’s echoing of Trump’s rhetoric about Canada.
Accusations in the petition center on Hoekstra’s alleged interference in Canadian politics and his undermining of the diplomatic ties between the U.S. and Canada. Particularly contentious were Hoekstra’s comments suggesting the possibility of Canada being annexed by the United States, a statement that drew sharp criticism from Walker for its inappropriateness coming from an ambassador.
The petition also calls for a review by a parliamentary committee into U.S. diplomatic meddling in Canadian affairs. Although the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa declined to comment on the petition, Walker emphasized that the ongoing tensions in trade talks between the two nations necessitate a strong stance on respecting Canada’s sovereignty.
Green Party Leader Elizabeth May, who will present the petition in Parliament, praised the overwhelming response from Canadians and stressed the importance of holding diplomats accountable for fostering positive relationships. May contrasted Hoekstra’s approach unfavorably with that of a previous U.S. ambassador, underscoring the need for diplomatic tact and respect.
As negotiations continue between Canadian and American officials to resolve trade disputes, the petition serves as a significant expression of Canadian solidarity and a call for upholding national sovereignty. Walker hopes the petition will serve as a clear message that unacceptable behavior from a foreign diplomat will not be tolerated lightly.