Lee Walker, a resident of Calgary, has been surprised by the overwhelming response to her petition demanding the expulsion of U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra from Canada. The online petition, which has garnered over 100,000 signatures to date and is scheduled for presentation in the House of Commons, calls for Hoekstra to be declared persona non grata and removed from his diplomatic post.
Walker expressed her astonishment at the level of support, indicating that it signifies a widespread discomfort among Canadians with Hoekstra’s alignment with President Donald Trump’s viewpoints regarding Canadian sovereignty and overall relations. She emphasized the significance of the issue, highlighting the inappropriateness of an ambassador such as Hoekstra suggesting the annexation of Canada by the United States.
The petition accuses Hoekstra of undermining Canada-U.S. diplomatic ties and interfering in Canadian political matters, contrary to established diplomatic protocols. Specifically, it references Hoekstra’s controversial remarks regarding the potential annexation of Canada by the U.S. and his criticism of Canadian responses to trade disputes, labeling them as inappropriate.
Furthermore, the petition urges the Liberal government to initiate a parliamentary review of U.S. diplomatic interference in Canadian affairs. The U.S. Embassy in Ottawa acknowledged the petition’s existence but refrained from providing further comments. The petitioner, Walker, stressed the necessity of upholding Canada’s sovereignty and the importance of not normalizing disruptive rhetoric from foreign diplomats.
Green Party Leader Elizabeth May, who will present the petition in Parliament, expressed her amazement at the public response and emphasized the role of diplomats in fostering positive relationships. Drawing a comparison with a past U.S. ambassador to Canada who managed to charm Ottawa despite policy differences, May criticized Hoekstra for his divisive approach.
The petition, set for presentation in the fall, aims to spark a crucial dialogue on diplomatic conduct and national sovereignty. Despite uncertainties about the government’s response, Walker hopes the petition will convey a strong message against inappropriate behavior from foreign envoys. The initiative underscores a sense of Canadian unity and resilience against perceived diplomatic transgressions.