The organizer of a petition aiming to remove U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra from Canada expressed surprise at the overwhelming support it has received. The online petition, which is on track to be presented in the House of Commons, calls for Hoekstra to be declared unwelcome and for the Canadian government to request his removal as ambassador. Over 100,000 individuals had endorsed the petition by Thursday afternoon.
Lee Walker, the individual behind the initiative based in Calgary, highlighted the broad discontent among Canadians towards Hoekstra for echoing President Trump’s viewpoints on Canadian sovereignty and other issues. The petition accuses Hoekstra of undermining diplomatic relations between Canada and the U.S. and interfering in Canadian politics in a manner inconsistent with standard diplomatic practices.
In a statement, Walker emphasized the significance of an ambassador’s words and the potential real-world consequences of normalizing certain rhetoric. The petition also urges the Liberal government to investigate U.S. diplomatic interference in Canadian affairs.
Responding to the petition, the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa mentioned its awareness of the initiative but refrained from providing further commentary. Walker acknowledged the existing tensions between the two nations, emphasizing the need to uphold Canada’s sovereignty and not to tolerate behavior that undermines it.
The petition, set for presentation in the fall by Green Party Leader Elizabeth May, has garnered praise for its significant public support. May highlighted the importance of citizen-led petitions and the role of diplomats in fostering positive relationships between nations. Comparing Hoekstra’s approach unfavorably to past ambassadors, she emphasized the need for diplomatic conduct.
With ongoing trade negotiations between the U.S. and Canada, the petition adds another layer of complexity to the relationship. Despite uncertainties regarding the petition’s outcome, it signals a strong sense of Canadian unity and determination not to be intimidated. Walker expressed hope that the petition would convey a clear message about the unacceptability of certain behaviors from a foreign ambassador.