Canadian Petition Demanding Expulsion of US Ambassador Pete Hoekstra Surpasses 170,000 Signatures

An official petition in Canada’s House of Commons has gathered massive public support, surpassing 171,000 signatures to call for the expulsion of United States ambassador Pete Hoekstra. This total vastly exceeds the 500 signatures required for parliamentary discussion, highlighting deep-seated tensions regarding the administration of US President Donald Trump.

The petition criticizes Pete Hoekstra for making public remarks that allegedly undermine diplomatic ties between Canada and the US. These controversies follow the ambassador's defense of Donald Trump’s proposal regarding Canada, as well as previous accusations that Canadian officials interfered in US elections. Those particular comments arose after the Ontario government funded advertisements criticizing Donald Trump’s tariff policies directed at Canada, prompting Pete Hoekstra to warn of potential consequences from the US.

Furthermore, the petition highlights reported connections between Pete Hoekstra and the creator of an application utilized by separatists in Calgary. Although Pete Hoekstra has previously denied any link between the Trump administration and these separatists, the petition outlines three main demands for the Canadian government. It urges the House of Commons to declare Pete Hoekstra persona non grata, calls for bilateral discussions regarding conduct inconsistent with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, and requests a parliamentary committee to investigate US interference in Canadian domestic matters.

Authorized by Elizabeth May, leader of the Green Party, and originally put forward by Calgary resident Leanne Walker, the petition was introduced on July 21. While the petition is non-binding and its ultimate impact in Parliament remains uncertain, it reflects growing friction in Canada-US relations. Recent disputes include steep US tariffs on Canadian goods, disputes over the Gordie Howe International Bridge linking Windsor, Ontario, and Detroit, Michigan, and trade tensions exacerbated by cross-border wildfires. Recent polling data indicates a sharp decline in public trust among Canadians regarding the US as a reliable partner.