Nearly 30,000 Canadians have signed a petition demanding the expulsion of Pete Hoekstra, the U.S. Ambassador to Canada, citing actions that jeopardize diplomatic ties between the two countries. The online petition, initiated by a resident of Calgary, calls for Hoekstra to be declared persona non grata and urges the Canadian government to seek his removal from the ambassadorial position.
The petition accuses Hoekstra of interfering in Canadian political matters in a manner inconsistent with diplomatic norms, which it claims undermines the Canada-U.S. relationship. Additionally, it suggests that a parliamentary committee review U.S. diplomatic interventions in Canadian affairs.
Green Party Leader Elizabeth May is set to present the petition in the House of Commons, without necessarily endorsing its content, as per parliamentary protocol. The petition also highlights Hoekstra’s remarks regarding the potential annexation of Canada by the United States, which it says normalizes threats from the Trump administration.
Hoekstra previously sparked controversy by suggesting that Canada’s annexation would be a suitable topic for discussion between Prime Minister Mark Carney and President Donald Trump. He also criticized the anti-American sentiment during Canada’s federal election campaign and expressed disappointment over the handling of trade issues by Canadian leaders.
Despite facing challenges from Canadian reporters over his statements, Hoekstra defended his role in representing the views of the U.S. president. The U.S. Embassy in Ottawa acknowledged the petition but refrained from commenting on it.
The petition’s call for persona non grata status for Hoekstra is aligned with the UN’s Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, allowing for the removal of diplomatic immunity and expulsion from the country. Notably, Canada has previously expelled diplomats from China and India due to allegations of foreign interference.
In 2023, a Chinese diplomat was declared persona non grata for targeting a Canadian MP, while six Indian diplomats were expelled in connection with a campaign against Canadian citizens. These actions were linked to the murder of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, British Columbia. Recent efforts under Carney’s leadership aim to enhance relations with both China and India.
