Tens of thousands of Canadians have signed a petition urging for the expulsion of the U.S. Ambassador to Canada, Pete Hoekstra. The online petition, slated for presentation in the House of Commons, calls for Hoekstra to be declared persona non grata and demands the Canadian government seek his removal from his ambassadorial role.
The petition, initiated by a Calgary resident, highlights concerns over Hoekstra’s statements that are seen as detrimental to the Canada-U.S. diplomatic ties. It alleges that Hoekstra has been interfering in Canadian political matters in a manner inconsistent with diplomatic norms. The document also proposes that a parliamentary committee investigate U.S. diplomatic involvement in Canadian affairs.
Notably, the petition asserts that Hoekstra has normalized the notion of the U.S. annexing Canada, referencing his previous comments suggesting such discussions between Prime Minister Mark Carney and President Donald Trump. The petition, to be presented by Green Party Leader Elizabeth May, emphasizes that Members of Parliament can table petitions without necessarily endorsing their contents.
Hoekstra, who expressed disappointment with the “anti-American” sentiment in a past Canadian election campaign, has faced criticism for his remarks on the Trump administration’s policies. He has defended his role in representing the president’s views and has been vocal about his disapproval of actions taken by Canadian officials that he perceives as anti-American.
In response to the petition, the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa has acknowledged its awareness of the situation. The petition’s call for Hoekstra’s expulsion aligns with past instances where Canada has expelled diplomats, such as Chinese and Indian representatives, over accusations of foreign interference.
The declaration of persona non grata, as outlined in the UN’s Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, allows a host country to revoke diplomatic immunity and compel an individual to leave. This petition, driven by public discontent, signifies a significant pushback against perceived unwarranted involvement by a foreign diplomat in Canadian affairs.