A petition signed by tens of thousands of Canadians is urging for the expulsion of Pete Hoekstra, the U.S. Ambassador to Canada appointed by President Donald Trump.
The online petition, scheduled for submission in the House of Commons later this year, demands that Hoekstra be declared persona non grata and that the Canadian government seek his removal from the diplomatic post.
By Wednesday morning, nearly 60,000 individuals had endorsed the petition, showing a significant increase from the previous day.
The petition accuses Hoekstra of making statements that undermine the diplomatic ties between Canada and the U.S. and of engaging in political discussions in a manner inconsistent with diplomatic norms.
Furthermore, it calls for the Liberal government to task a parliamentary committee with investigating U.S. interference in Canadian political affairs.
-
U.S. Ambassador in Ottawa Unaware of Canadian Frustration, Says Hoekstra
-
Hoekstra Suggests ’51st State’ Discussion with Trump and Carney Ahead of Trade Talks
The petition, initiated by a resident of Calgary, is set to be presented in Parliament by Green Party Leader Elizabeth May. Members of Parliament may table petitions in the House of Commons without necessarily endorsing the content.
Additionally, the petition accuses Hoekstra of normalizing the threats made by the Trump administration regarding the annexation of Canada.
Hoekstra sparked controversy in June when he mentioned that discussing Canada’s annexation by the U.S. would be a pertinent subject for Prime Minister Mark Carney and President Donald Trump.
Ahead of the U.S.’s 250th anniversary, U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra discussed tariffs, CUSMA negotiations, and the 51st state remarks with Rebecca Zandbergen, host of CBC’s Ottawa Morning.
Last September in Halifax, Hoekstra expressed disappointment over the perceived “anti-American” sentiment during the recent federal election campaign in Canada. He criticized Canadian leaders for characterizing the Trump administration’s tariff actions as