A Calgary-based woman leading a petition to remove U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra from Ottawa expressed surprise at the overwhelming support the petition has garnered. The online petition, which demands Hoekstra’s expulsion and has already amassed over 100,000 signatures, will be presented in the House of Commons this autumn.
Lee Walker, the initiator of the petition, highlighted the broad public discontent over Hoekstra’s alignment with President Trump’s rhetoric on Canadian sovereignty. Walker criticized Hoekstra for interfering in Canadian politics and undermining diplomatic relations between the two nations.
The petition specifically calls out Hoekstra for advocating for Canada’s annexation by the United States, a controversial stance that sparked widespread criticism. Walker emphasized the weight of Hoekstra’s position as an ambassador and the potential consequences of normalizing such rhetoric.
In response to the petition, the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa refrained from commenting on the matter. With ongoing trade negotiations between the U.S. and Canada, the petition adds pressure on the Liberal government to address alleged U.S. interference in Canadian affairs.
Green Party Leader Elizabeth May will present the petition in Parliament, acknowledging the remarkable response from Canadians. May underscored the importance of diplomatic relationships, contrasting Hoekstra’s approach unfavorably with past ambassadors known for fostering positive ties despite disagreements.
While the petition’s outcome remains uncertain, Walker hopes it will convey a strong message about respecting Canada’s sovereignty and holding ambassadors accountable for their conduct. The petition signifies a unified Canadian stance against perceived diplomatic transgressions and underscores the nation’s commitment to upholding its values.