The organizer of a petition demanding the expulsion of U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra from Canada says the response has exceeded her expectations. The online petition, scheduled for submission to the House of Commons this fall, calls for Hoekstra to be declared unwelcome and removed from his role as U.S. ambassador to Canada. Over 100,000 individuals had signed the petition by Thursday afternoon, reflecting widespread discomfort among Canadians with Hoekstra’s alignment with President Trump’s viewpoints on Canadian sovereignty.
Lee Walker, the individual spearheading the petition from Calgary, emphasized the significance of the public outcry. She criticized Hoekstra for his statements that have jeopardized Canadian-U.S. diplomatic relations and meddled in Canadian political affairs in a manner inconsistent with diplomatic norms. The petition also condemns Hoekstra for trivializing potential U.S. annexation of Canada, a statement that garnered significant attention in June.
Walker underscored the weight of an ambassador’s words and the adverse impact of normalizing such rhetoric, highlighting the need for respect towards Canada’s sovereignty. The petition also urges the Canadian government to investigate U.S. diplomatic interference in Canadian matters.
In response to the petition, a spokesperson for the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa refrained from commenting, acknowledging awareness of the petition. Walker emphasized that the existing tensions between the U.S. and Canada necessitated action, emphasizing the importance of upholding Canada’s sovereignty.
The petition is slated to be presented to Parliament by Green Party Leader Elizabeth May in the upcoming parliamentary session. May expressed astonishment at the overwhelming support for the petition, emphasizing the duty to advocate for citizens’ concerns in Parliament. She contrasted Hoekstra’s approach unfavorably with that of past ambassadors, emphasizing the importance of diplomatic relationships.
May expressed uncertainty regarding the petition’s outcomes but stressed the significance of initiating crucial conversations. She commended Canadians for demonstrating solidarity through the petition, asserting that it sends a clear message of resilience against external pressures. Walker echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the need for accountability and signaling that dismissing the issue was not an option.