A Calgary-based woman leading a petition to remove U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra from Canada expressed surprise at the overwhelming response, with over 100,000 signatures collected. The petition, to be presented in the House of Commons, accuses Hoekstra of damaging diplomatic ties by echoing President Trump’s rhetoric on Canadian sovereignty. Specifically, Hoekstra’s comments on the potential annexation of Canada by the U.S. were highlighted as inappropriate for a diplomat. The petition also calls for a review of U.S. interference in Canadian affairs.
The U.S. Embassy in Ottawa acknowledged the petition but declined to comment further. The woman behind the petition emphasized the existing tension in Canada-U.S. relations and stressed the importance of respecting Canadian sovereignty. Meanwhile, Canadian and American trade officials are working towards a potential deal amidst escalating trade disputes.
Green Party Leader Elizabeth May, set to present the petition in Parliament, noted the significant public response, highlighting the duty of MPs to consider citizen petitions. May contrasted Hoekstra’s approach with past U.S. ambassadors known for building positive relationships. She criticized Hoekstra’s conduct and the normalization of aggressive rhetoric towards Canada. May underscored the petition’s significance in asserting Canadian independence and standing up against bullying tactics.