More than 60,000 Canadians have signed an online petition calling for the expulsion of the U.S. ambassador in Ottawa, Pete Hoekstra, citing alleged interventions in Canadian political discourse and the normalization of threats to annex Canada as the "51st state."
The petition, launched in Calgary, also expresses concern over meetings in Washington between U.S. State Department officials and individuals advocating for Alberta's separation from Canada. It requests Ambassador Hoekstra's formal removal and a parliamentary committee review of "U.S. diplomatic interference in Canadian domestic affairs."
The U.S. embassy stated it was aware of the petition but declined further comment. Hoekstra, a Republican and ally of former President Donald Trump, has been a vocal defender of Trump's trade policies, which he has stated are aimed at ensuring American safety and prosperity. He has also emphasized the critical nature of the relationship between the two countries.
Hoekstra's tenure has been marked by several controversies. He previously had a dispute with Ontario's trade representative and drew criticism for reposting comments from Trump suggesting Canada could become the 51st U.S. state, which Hoekstra described as a "great discussion to be had" by national leaders. He also faced backlash for inviting a leader of the 2022 Freedom Convoy movement to an official Fourth of July celebration. Additionally, Hoekstra has characterized some Canadian political rhetoric as "anti-American" and has voiced frustration over the removal of U.S. alcohol products from Canadian store shelves, a significant point in ongoing trade talks.
The petition will be presented to Canada's House of Commons later this year by Green Party leader Elizabeth May. For a petition to be presented in the House and require a government response, it must be submitted by a Canadian resident, authorized by a Member of Parliament, and garner at least 500 valid signatures. The current petition has exceeded this threshold.
This development occurs amid intense trade negotiations between Canada and the United States. negotiators are working urgently to reach an agreement before new U.S. tariffs on approximately $20 billion to $28 billion in Canadian goods are set to take effect. These proposed tariffs were announced by former President Trump as retaliation for what he termed "unequal treatment" of U.S. cars, dairy, and alcohol. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has previously warned of potential retaliatory measures if the tariffs are enforced, though Canadian media have reported that an interim deal could be reached soon.