A Calgary woman leading a petition to expel U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra from Canada is amazed by the overwhelming support it has received. The online petition, set to be presented in the House of Commons, demands Hoekstra be declared persona non grata due to his controversial statements. More than 100,000 individuals have already signed the petition.
According to the woman behind the initiative, Lee Walker, the significant response indicates widespread Canadian discomfort with Hoekstra’s alignment with President Trump’s viewpoints on Canadian sovereignty. The petition accuses Hoekstra of disrupting diplomatic relations and interfering in Canadian politics contrary to protocol.
Hoekstra’s remarks suggesting the annexation of Canada by the U.S. as a potential topic for discussion have drawn criticism. Walker emphasized that such rhetoric from an ambassador could have serious implications. Additionally, Hoekstra has condemned Canadian leaders for their responses to U.S. tariffs, labeling them as dangerous.
The petition also calls for a parliamentary committee to review U.S. diplomatic interference in Canadian affairs. The U.S. Embassy in Ottawa has acknowledged the petition but refrained from commenting on it. Walker believes the existing tensions between the two nations make addressing the issue imperative to safeguard Canada’s sovereignty.
Green Party Leader Elizabeth May, who will present the petition in Parliament, commended the public’s engagement in holding diplomats accountable. May highlighted the importance of fostering positive relationships, contrasting Hoekstra’s approach with that of a previous U.S. ambassador who maintained amicable ties with Ottawa despite differing viewpoints.
While the outcome of the petition remains uncertain, Walker hopes it will serve as a catalyst for important discussions. The initiative reflects a strong sense of Canadian unity and resilience against perceived intimidation. Walker stressed that tolerating inappropriate conduct from a foreign ambassador is not an option for Canada.