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 submission in the House of Commons later this year, urges the Canadian government to declare Hoekstra persona non grata and seek his removal from the diplomatic post.
The petition, initiated by a Calgary resident, highlights concerns about Hoekstra’s statements that are seen as detrimental to the Canada-U.S. diplomatic ties and his alleged inappropriate involvement in Canadian political discussions. It also calls for a parliamentary committee to investigate U.S. interference in Canadian affairs.
With nearly 60,000 signatures, the petition has gained significant traction, doubling its support within a 24-hour period. Green Party Leader Elizabeth May is set to present the petition in Parliament, emphasizing that MPs can table petitions without explicitly supporting their contents.
One of the key grievances mentioned in the petition is Hoekstra’s remarks suggesting the possibility of Canada being annexed by the United States, a notion that has sparked controversy and criticism. The ambassador previously sparked backlash by questioning Canadians’ frustration and expressing disappointment over the tone of the federal election campaign.
The U.S. Embassy in Ottawa has acknowledged the petition, although a spokesperson declined to provide further comments on the matter. The petition also draws attention to recent diplomatic expulsions involving China and India, citing instances where individuals were declared persona non grata over allegations of interference.
These expulsions underscore the potential implications of such actions, as outlined in the UN’s Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which allows governments to revoke diplomatic immunity and expel individuals from the country. The petition reflects growing concerns among Canadians regarding the conduct of foreign diplomats and their impact on bilateral relations.