Thousands sign petition calling for expulsion of US ambassador to Canada

Thousands of Canadians have signed a petition demanding the expulsion of U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra, accusing him of overstepping diplomatic boundaries and interfering in domestic affairs. The campaign, which has amassed more than 60,000 signatures, urges Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to label Hoekstra “persona non grata” and remove him from his post. The petition, initiated by a resident of Calgary, gained momentum rapidly, nearly doubling its total within a day. It is set to be presented to the House of Commons by Elizabeth May, leader of the Green Party of Canada, during the autumn session. The petition alleges that Hoekstra has made repeated interventions in Canadian political discourse, violating diplomatic norms. It specifically criticizes his public statements supporting former President Donald Trump's vision of making Canada the 51st U.S. state. The document also highlights his normalization of Trump’s controversial remarks, including references to Canadian leaders such as Mark Carney and former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. These actions, according to the petition, have strained bilateral relations and undermined trust between the two nations. Hoekstra, a former Republican congressman from Michigan and a long-standing ally of Trump, has been a focal point of friction between the United States and Canada. In June, he suggested that Trump and Carney should engage in a “great discussion” regarding Canada’s potential status as the 51st U.S. state, following Trump’s repeated proposals on the issue. In March, Trump referred to Carney as the “future governor of Canada,” echoing a previous jab aimed at Trudeau. Such comments have drawn criticism from Canadian officials and media, who view them as disrespectful and unbecoming of a head of state. Beyond these incidents, Hoekstra has expressed concerns over Canada’s defense procurement decisions. He warned that the U.S.-Canadian defense partnership might need to be adjusted if Ottawa withdrew from plans to acquire American-made F-35 fighter jets. Additionally, he has criticized what he describes as “anti-American” rhetoric from Canadian politicians and voiced opposition to Trump’s tariffs, which have sparked economic tensions. The petition argues that Hoekstra’s behavior constitutes a breach of diplomatic decorum and requests that the Canadian government invoke provisions of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations to address his conduct. Under Canadian parliamentary procedures, petitions with at least 500 valid signatures must be formally submitted to the House of Commons and accompanied by a government response. While the presenter of the petition does not necessarily endorse all its claims, the process ensures that public grievances are acknowledged and addressed through official channels. Political analysts suggest that the petition reflects growing frustration among some Canadians toward U.S. policies and the perceived influence of Trump-era figures in Canadian affairs. The timing of the campaign coincides with ongoing debates over trade agreements, border security, and national sovereignty. As the petition moves forward, it could prompt further scrutiny of diplomatic practices and the role of ambassadors in maintaining international relations. The outcome will depend on how the government responds and whether the allegations against Hoekstra gain broader political traction.