A Calgary resident spearheading a petition to expel U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra from Canada is overwhelmed by the massive support the initiative has garnered. Lee Walker, the initiator of the online petition, highlighted that it has surpassed her expectations, with over 100,000 signatures as of Thursday.
The petition, scheduled for presentation in the House of Commons later this year, demands that Hoekstra be labeled persona non grata and urges the Canadian government to seek his removal as the U.S. ambassador. Walker expressed concern over Hoekstra’s alignment with President Trump’s rhetoric on Canadian sovereignty, which has triggered discomfort among many Canadians.
Accusing Hoekstra of interfering in Canadian political affairs and undermining bilateral relations, the petition criticizes the ambassador for suggesting the possibility of Canada’s annexation by the U.S. Walker emphasized the weight of Hoekstra’s words as an ambassador and asserted that such rhetoric could have significant real-world implications.
Furthermore, the petition calls upon the Liberal government to task a parliamentary committee with investigating U.S. diplomatic interference in Canadian matters. While a U.S. Embassy spokesperson refrained from commenting on the petition, Walker emphasized that existing tensions in U.S.-Canada relations necessitate a clear stance on respecting Canada’s sovereignty.
Green Party Leader Elizabeth May, set to present the petition in Parliament, lauded the overwhelming public response as a testament to Canadians’ commitment to national sovereignty. May contrasted Hoekstra’s approach unfavorably with that of past ambassadors who prioritized relationship-building. She underscored the need for diplomatic decorum, citing instances where Hoekstra’s conduct diverged from traditional diplomatic norms.
The petition’s presentation aligns with ongoing trade negotiations between Canada and the U.S., with both nations striving to reach an agreement before impending tariff escalations. While uncertain about the petition’s outcome, Walker hopes it will serve as a strong message against conduct unbecoming of a diplomatic representative.
The initiative, according to May, signifies Canadian solidarity and resilience, signaling a refusal to be intimidated by external pressures. The petition, she asserted, offers a platform for vital discussions on upholding national sovereignty and diplomatic norms in the face of external challenges.