# Diplomatic tension over U.S. Ambassador to Canada

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/diplomatic-tension-over-us-ambassador-to-canada
> Updated: 2026-08-14T12:47:08.000Z. Sources: 26. Developments: 2.

A Canadian parliamentary petition seeking the removal of U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra has gained significant momentum, now surpassing 170,000 signatures. Launched by Calgary resident Leanne Walker and supported by Green Party Leader Elizabeth May, the movement requests that the Canadian government declare Hoekstra ‘persona non grata’ under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

The petition accuses the Ambassador of violating diplomatic protocol by intervening in Canadian political discourse and normalizing rhetoric regarding the potential annexation of Canada as a ‘51st state’. These criticisms stem from comments made in June, in which Hoekstra suggested that the annexation of Canada would be a ‘great discussion’ for U.S. and Canadian leadership. Additional grievances include reported contacts between U.S. officials and Alberta separatists, as well as alleged links to a Michigan-based voter identification app used by the Alberta-based Centurion Project.

The petition makes three primary demands: declaring Hoekstra ‘persona non grata’, 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, far exceeding the 500 signatures required for formal discussion.

## Claims

- The petition has surpassed 170,000 signatures. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- Green Party leader Elizabeth May is expected to bring the petition forward for debate in the House of Commons this fall. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- The petition accuses Pete Hoekstra of making public statements that undermine Canada-US diplomatic relations. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- The petition demands that the Canadian government declare Pete Hoekstra persona non grata. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- Leanne Walker, a Calgary resident, launched the petition calling for the removal of Pete Hoekstra. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The petition claims Hoekstra has normalized threats to annex Canada as the 51st US state. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The petition calls for a parliamentary committee to review US diplomatic interference in Canadian domestic affairs. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The petition alleges US diplomatic interference in Canadian unity due to meetings with Alberta separatists. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-14: Canadian petition to expel U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra gains 170,000 signatures

Over 170,000 Canadians have signed a petition demanding the removal of U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra, accusing him of undermining diplomatic relations and interfering in Canadian domestic affairs.

12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/canadian-petition-calls-for-removal-of-us-ambassador-pete-hoekstra

### 2026-08-11: Pete Hoekstra: Petition to oust U.S. Ambassador to Canada exceeds 110,000 signatures

Over 110,000 Canadians have signed a petition calling for the removal of U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra, accusing him of diplomatic interference and normalizing threats of U.S. annexation of Canada.

14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/petition-to-remove-us-ambassador-pete-hoekstra-gains-30000-signatures

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Cite as: Diplomatic tension over U.S. Ambassador to Canada. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/diplomatic-tension-over-us-ambassador-to-canada