Canada petition to expel U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra exceeds 170,000 signatures

A Canadian parliamentary petition calling for the removal of U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra has surpassed 170,000 signatures, far exceeding the 500 required for formal discussion in the House of Commons.

Launched by Calgary resident Leanne Walker and supported by Green Party Leader Elizabeth May, the petition accuses Hoekstra of undermining Canada-U.S. diplomatic relations and interfering in Canadian domestic affairs. Specific grievances include Hoekstra’s support of rhetoric regarding the potential annexation of Canada as the “51st state” and reported contacts between U.S. officials and Alberta separatists.

The petition makes three primary demands: declaring Hoekstra “persona non grata” under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, requesting his formal removal, and establishing a parliamentary committee to investigate U.S. diplomatic interference in Canadian unity. The matter is expected to be brought forward for debate in the House of Commons this fall.