The initiator of a petition urging the expulsion of U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra from Canada is amazed at its overwhelming support. The online petition, planned for submission to the House of Commons, demands Hoekstra’s removal and has garnered over 100,000 signatures. Lee Walker, the petition’s architect based in Calgary, expressed surprise at the massive response, indicating a widespread discomfort among Canadians with Hoekstra’s alignment with President Trump’s views on Canadian sovereignty.
The petition alleges that Hoekstra has made detrimental remarks affecting Canada-U.S. diplomatic ties and interfered in Canadian political discussions against diplomatic norms. It also accuses him of trivializing the Trump administration’s suggestions of annexing Canada. Walker criticized Hoekstra’s statements, noting the significant impact of such rhetoric from an ambassador.
Regarding the ongoing trade negotiations between the U.S. and Canada, Walker highlighted existing tensions and emphasized the importance of respecting Canada’s sovereignty. The petition also urges the Liberal government to investigate U.S. diplomatic meddling in Canadian affairs. The U.S. Embassy in Ottawa declined to comment on the petition but acknowledged its awareness.
Green Party Leader Elizabeth May will present the petition in Parliament, underscoring the significant public response. May emphasized the role of diplomats in fostering relationships, contrasting Hoekstra’s approach with that of a previous U.S. ambassador who prioritized diplomacy. May expressed astonishment at Hoekstra’s unpopularity and stressed the importance of Canadians standing up against perceived bullying tactics.
Despite uncertainty about the petition’s outcome, Walker hopes it will convey a strong message about unacceptable ambassadorial conduct. The petition symbolizes Canadian solidarity and defiance against perceived intimidation, sending a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated.