The organizer of a petition calling for the expulsion of U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra from Canada expressed surprise at the overwhelming support it has garnered. The petition, aiming to declare Hoekstra persona non grata and have him removed as the U.S. ambassador to Canada, has amassed over 100,000 signatures as of Thursday.
Lee Walker, the individual spearheading the petition from Calgary, highlighted the widespread discomfort among Canadians regarding Hoekstra’s alignment with President Trump’s viewpoints on Canadian sovereignty. The petition accuses Hoekstra of undermining diplomatic relations between the two countries and interfering in Canadian political matters.
In response to Hoekstra’s comments suggesting the possibility of Canada being annexed by the U.S., Walker emphasized the inappropriateness of such rhetoric coming from an ambassador. She stressed the weight of words from a diplomatic figure and their potential real-world implications.
The petition also calls on the Canadian government to review U.S. diplomatic interference in Canadian affairs. While the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa refrained from commenting on the petition, Walker underscored the existing tensions in Canada-U.S. relations and the necessity of upholding Canadian sovereignty.
The petition is scheduled to be presented in Parliament by Green Party Leader Elizabeth May, who noted the remarkable public response and emphasized the importance of sponsoring petitions representing citizens’ concerns. May contrasted Hoekstra’s approach with that of former U.S. Ambassador David Wilkins, highlighting the importance of diplomacy in fostering positive relationships between countries.
With ongoing trade negotiations between Canada and the U.S., Walker reiterated the need for the petition to convey the message that respect for Canadian sovereignty is non-negotiable. While uncertain about the government’s response to the petition, Walker hopes it will serve as a reminder that inappropriate conduct from a foreign ambassador cannot be overlooked.