In brief
More than 60,000 Canadians have signed a petition demanding the expulsion of US ambassador Pete Hoekstra after accusations that he repeatedly meddled in Canadian politics and promoted controversial US policy positions. The petition cites Hoekstra’s public statements, including remarks on Canada becoming the 51st US state and his invitation of a Freedom Convoy leader to a U.S. holiday event. It also raises concerns about meetings in Washington with Alberta separatists, a point that may affect current trade talks where Canada faces potential 50% tariffs on goods. Canada’s federal government is under pressure to address this diplomatic tension, and the petition will be presented for debate in Parliament later this year. The effort illustrates sensitive cross‑border relations and the impact of ambassadorial conduct on diplomatic credibility.
Over 60,000 Canadians have signed a petition demanding the expulsion of US Ambassador Pete Hoekstra, citing his alleged interference in Canadian politics.
The petition accuses Hoekstra of “making repeated interventions in Canadian political discourse” and of promoting the Trump administration’s claim that Canada could become the United States’ 51st state.
The Canadian diplomatic mission acknowledged the petition but declined to comment further, amid an upcoming round of trade negotiations where Canada faces the possibility of a 50% tariff on goods worth up to $28 billion.
One of the petition’s authors, a Calgary resident, also warned about meetings in Washington between US State Department officials and Alberta separatist activists, an element that may pressure the trade talks.
Hoekstra, a Republican and close Trump ally, has defended US trade policy as ensuring American safety and prosperity, and he has repeatedly described Canadian rhetoric as “anti‑American.” He has also criticized provinces for banning US alcohol sales—a key sticking point in the current negotiations.
Former U.S. Ambassador who faced criticism for inviting a Freedom Convoy leader to a Fourth‑of‑July celebration is no longer in Canada's diplomatic service, but his actions remain under scrutiny as the petition moves into Parliament.
The Green Party’s Elizabeth May will table the petition for House debate later in the year, asserting her duty to sponsor any petition raised by Canadians, regardless of personal agreement. Parliament’s rules require more than 500 signatures for a petition to reach the House; the 60,000‑signed petition has already surpassed that threshold.
As Canadian negotiators work to avoid the second‑round tariff, the petition underscores larger questions about diplomatic engagement, sovereignty, and the boundaries of foreign influence within Canada.
