Tens of thousands of Canadians have signed a petition demanding the expulsion of U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra from Canada. The online petition, to be presented in the House of Commons, calls for Hoekstra to be declared persona non grata and removed from his diplomatic post. The petition, initiated by a Calgary resident, highlights concerns about Hoekstra’s statements that allegedly undermine Canada-U.S. relations and interfere in Canadian politics.
Over 60,000 individuals have already endorsed the petition, reflecting a significant surge in support within a day. The document also urges the Canadian government to investigate U.S. diplomatic involvement in Canadian matters. Green Party Leader Elizabeth May is set to present the petition in Parliament, emphasizing that MPs can table petitions without necessarily supporting their content.
Hoekstra’s controversial remarks, including suggestions about Canada’s potential annexation by the U.S., have sparked criticism. The petition accuses him of normalizing threats against Canada made by President Donald Trump. In response to challenges from Canadian journalists, Hoekstra defended his role in conveying the president’s viewpoints.
Notably, the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa has acknowledged the petition but refrained from further comments. The petition aligns with a diplomatic protocol known as persona non grata, a provision in the UN’s Vienna Convention that allows the removal of an individual’s diplomatic immunity and expulsion from a host country.
Recent history shows Canada’s expulsions of diplomats from China and India due to alleged foreign interference. In 2023, a Chinese diplomat was declared persona non grata for reportedly targeting a Canadian MP’s family. Subsequently, six Indian diplomats were expelled following accusations of government involvement in a campaign targeting Canadian citizens linked to a murder case in British Columbia.
Under Prime Minister Mark Carney’s leadership, efforts have been made to enhance diplomatic ties with China and India, despite past tensions. The petition against Hoekstra underscores the growing discontent among Canadians regarding perceived diplomatic overreach and interference in domestic affairs.