A petition launched by a Calgary-based woman demanding the removal of U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra from Canada has gained significant traction, surpassing initial expectations. The online petition, slated for submission in the House of Commons later this year, has garnered over 70,000 signatures, reflecting a substantial increase from just a day ago.
The creator of the petition, Lee Walker, expressed surprise at the overwhelming response, indicating a widespread discomfort among Canadians with Hoekstra’s alignment with President Trump’s viewpoints on Canadian sovereignty. The petition accuses Hoekstra of interfering in Canadian politics and normalizing the idea of Canada being annexed by the United States, which the ambassador had suggested could be a topic of discussion between Trump and Prime Minister Mark Carney.
Walker emphasized the weight carried by an ambassador’s words and the potential real-world implications of normalizing such rhetoric. The petition also calls for a review of U.S. diplomatic interference in Canadian affairs by a parliamentary committee and underscores the necessity of respecting Canada’s sovereignty.
Amid ongoing trade discussions between the U.S. and Canada, the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa declined to comment on the petition, acknowledging its awareness of the situation. Walker highlighted existing tensions between the two nations and stressed the importance of upholding respect for Canada’s sovereignty.
Negotiations between Canadian and American trade officials are intensifying as the deadline for potential tariffs looms. The petition is scheduled to be presented in Parliament by Green Party Leader Elizabeth May in the upcoming parliamentary session. While the outcome remains uncertain, Walker hopes the petition will convey a strong message against inappropriate conduct by foreign representatives.
Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc has been actively engaging with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in Washington, aiming to present a viable trade deal to President Trump. Members of Parliament will have the opportunity to table the petition in the House of Commons without necessarily endorsing its contents. Walker underscored the seriousness of the issue, emphasizing the need for accountability in the diplomatic sphere.