Tens of thousands of Canadians have signed a petition demanding the expulsion of Pete Hoekstra, the U.S. Ambassador to Canada appointed by President Donald Trump. The online petition, scheduled for presentation in the House of Commons soon, calls for Hoekstra to be declared persona non grata and urges the Canadian government to request his removal from the ambassadorial position.
The petition, initiated by a Calgary resident, highlights concerns about Hoekstra’s statements that are seen as detrimental to the Canada-U.S. diplomatic ties and his alleged interference in Canadian political matters in a manner inconsistent with diplomatic norms. It also suggests that a parliamentary committee should investigate U.S. diplomatic involvement in Canadian affairs.
Hoekstra triggered controversy by suggesting that Canada’s annexation by the U.S. could be a viable discussion point between Prime Minister Mark Carney and President Trump. His remarks have drawn criticism, with the petition accusing him of normalizing threats to annex Canada.
The petition, to be presented in Parliament by Green Party Leader Elizabeth May, emphasizes the need for a review of Hoekstra’s actions. Despite the escalating calls for his expulsion, a spokesperson from the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa refrained from commenting on the petition, stating only that they are aware of its existence.
Recent expulsions of diplomats from China and India by Canada over alleged foreign interference have been cited as precedents for such actions. The persona non grata declaration, as outlined in the UN’s Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, enables a government to revoke diplomatic immunity and compel an individual to leave the country.
In the past, Canada expelled a Chinese diplomat following accusations of targeting a Member of Parliament and removed several Indian diplomats amid allegations of government involvement in campaigns against Canadian citizens. These incidents underscore the significance of maintaining diplomatic decorum and addressing any perceived threats to national sovereignty.