The woman spearheading a petition to expel U.S. President Donald Trump’s representative in Ottawa is amazed at the overwhelming response it has received. The online petition, which is due to be presented in the House of Commons later this year, demands that Pete Hoekstra be declared persona non grata and urges the Canadian government to seek his removal as the U.S. ambassador to Canada. Over 100,000 individuals have signed the petition, surpassing the expectations of its creator, Lee Walker, based in Calgary.
Walker’s petition accuses Hoekstra of undermining the Canada-U.S. diplomatic relationship by echoing Trump’s views on Canadian sovereignty and the nation as a whole. The document also criticizes Hoekstra for normalizing the notion of Canada being annexed by the United States. In response to Hoekstra’s controversial statements, Walker emphasized that such rhetoric from an ambassador carries significant weight and can have tangible repercussions.
The petition additionally calls on the Canadian government to task a parliamentary committee with examining U.S. diplomatic interference in Canadian affairs. The U.S. Embassy in Ottawa declined to comment on the petition, acknowledging its awareness of the matter. Walker highlighted that there is pre-existing tension between the two nations, suggesting that the petition aims to emphasize the importance of respecting Canada’s sovereignty.
Green Party Leader Elizabeth May is set to present the petition in Parliament during the fall session. May expressed astonishment at the widespread public response to the petition, noting that it reflects a sense of Canadian unity and determination. She contrasted Hoekstra’s approach unfavorably with that of past U.S. ambassadors, emphasizing the importance of cultivating positive relationships in diplomatic roles.
While the outcome of the petition remains uncertain, both its creator and the presenting MP hope it will spark meaningful dialogue and convey a message about the importance of upholding diplomatic norms. Walker underscored that the conduct exhibited by an ambassador like Hoekstra cannot be disregarded and requires attention.