Petition to Remove U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra Surpasses 225,000 Signatures

A petition calling for the removal of U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra has surpassed 225,000 signatures, reflecting growing opposition to his comments and actions in Canada.

The petition, launched by Calgary woman Lee Walker, alleges that Hoekstra’s statements have undermined Canada’s sovereignty. It calls for him to be declared persona non grata under the rules of the United Nations’ Vienna Convention and expelled from Canada.

However, experts say Hoekstra’s actions have not reached the threshold that would normally justify such a diplomatic step.

Green Party Leader Elizabeth May is expected to present the petition in the House of Commons this fall. May has said the large number of signatures shows that many Canadians are deeply concerned about Hoekstra’s conduct and that she is genuinely surprised by how unpopular he has become in Canada.

Hoekstra has faced growing criticism after appearing to support U.S. President Donald Trump’s repeated comments about making Canada the 51st U.S. state. His position has prompted thousands of Canadians to call for his removal from the country.