A large number of Canadian citizens have signed a petition urging for the removal of Pete Hoekstra, the U.S. Ambassador to Canada, from the country. The online petition, scheduled to be presented in the House of Commons, demands that Hoekstra be declared persona non grata and that the Canadian government seek his dismissal as the U.S. ambassador. The petition, initiated by a woman from Calgary, highlights concerns about Hoekstra’s statements that are seen as detrimental to the Canada-U.S. diplomatic ties and his interference in Canadian political discourse.
Over 60,000 individuals have signed the petition, showing growing support for this initiative. It also calls for a parliamentary committee to review U.S. involvement in Canadian affairs. The Green Party Leader Elizabeth May is set to present the petition in Parliament, emphasizing that MPs can submit petitions without endorsing their content.
Hoekstra has faced criticism for his remarks, including suggesting that Canada’s annexation by the U.S. could be a topic for discussion between Prime Minister Mark Carney and President Donald Trump. The petition accuses him of normalizing threats to annex Canada, a stance that has raised concerns among Canadians.
In response to challenges from Canadian journalists, Hoekstra has defended his role in presenting the views of the U.S. President. The U.S. Embassy in Ottawa has acknowledged the petition but declined to provide further comments. The petition invokes a mechanism known as persona non grata, which allows a government to remove an individual’s diplomatic immunity and expel them from the country.
Canada has previously expelled diplomats, including representatives from China and India, over allegations of foreign interference. In recent years, a Chinese diplomat was expelled for targeting a Canadian MP, and Indian officials were removed following accusations of involvement in activities against Canadian citizens. The Canadian government, under Carney’s leadership, has aimed to strengthen relationships with both China and India.