A Calgary-based woman leading a petition to expel U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra from Canada has expressed surprise at the overwhelming response it has received. The online petition, already signed by over 100,000 individuals and scheduled for presentation in the House of Commons, calls for Hoekstra to be declared persona non grata due to his alleged interference in Canadian affairs and his remarks that are seen as detrimental to the Canada-U.S. relationship.
Lee Walker, the initiator of the petition, highlighted that the significant number of signatures indicates widespread discomfort among Canadians with Hoekstra’s alignment with President Donald Trump’s policies regarding Canadian sovereignty. The petition accuses Hoekstra of undermining diplomatic relations between the two countries and normalizing the notion of Canada being annexed by the U.S.
Walker emphasized the weight of Hoekstra’s position as an ambassador and the potential consequences of his rhetoric on bilateral relations. The petition also urges the Canadian government to investigate U.S. diplomatic interference in Canadian affairs. The U.S. Embassy in Ottawa acknowledged the petition’s existence but refrained from further comment.
Green Party Leader Elizabeth May, who will present the petition in Parliament, praised the public response, describing it as a demonstration of Canadian solidarity. May contrasted Hoekstra’s approach unfavorably with that of past ambassadors known for fostering positive relationships, suggesting that Hoekstra’s conduct has made him unpopular among Canadians.
The petition’s presentation coincides with ongoing trade discussions between Canada and the U.S., with tensions already existing between the two nations. Walker stressed the importance of upholding Canadian sovereignty and sending a clear message that such behavior from a foreign ambassador is unacceptable. May expressed hope that the petition would prompt constructive dialogue and reaffirm Canadian resolve in the face of perceived intimidation.
