The woman spearheading a petition to expel the U.S. President’s representative in Ottawa expressed surprise at the overwhelming support it has garnered. The petition, scheduled for presentation in the House of Commons, demands the removal of Pete Hoekstra as U.S. ambassador to Canada, labeling him persona non grata. Over 100,000 individuals had endorsed the petition by Thursday afternoon, surpassing the organizer’s expectations.
Lee Walker, the initiator based in Calgary, emphasized the significance of the widespread support, indicating that many Canadians are uneasy with Hoekstra echoing President Trump’s views on Canadian sovereignty. The petition accuses Hoekstra of interfering in Canadian politics and jeopardizing diplomatic ties between the two nations.
Walker criticized Hoekstra’s statements, citing his casual remarks about Canada’s potential annexation by the U.S. as inappropriate for an ambassador. She argued that such rhetoric, coming from a high-ranking official, could have serious repercussions. Hoekstra also faced backlash for downplaying the U.S.-Canada trade disputes and rebuking Canadian leaders for their responses.
The petition additionally calls on the Canadian government to scrutinize U.S. diplomatic involvement in Canadian affairs. Despite declining to comment directly on the petition, a spokesperson for the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa acknowledged awareness of it. Walker emphasized that the existing tensions in the U.S.-Canada relationship underscore the need to uphold Canada’s sovereignty without compromise.
The petition is expected to be formally presented in Parliament by Green Party Leader Elizabeth May in the coming months. May commended the public response to the petition, highlighting the duty of MPs to address citizens’ concerns. She contrasted Hoekstra’s approach unfavorably with that of a previous U.S. ambassador who fostered positive relations with Canada, emphasizing the importance of diplomacy in such roles.
May expressed uncertainty about the petition’s potential outcomes but stressed the importance of initiating a dialogue on the matter. She praised the solidarity demonstrated by Canadians through the petition, emphasizing a refusal to be intimidated by perceived bullying tactics. Walker, while unsure of the government’s response, hopes the petition will convey a strong message against inappropriate conduct from foreign diplomats.
