A significant number of Canadian citizens have signed a petition urging the expulsion of the U.S. Ambassador to Canada, Pete Hoekstra. The online petition, scheduled for presentation in the House of Commons, calls for Hoekstra to be declared persona non grata and for the Canadian government to seek his removal from his diplomatic post.
The petition, initiated by a woman from Calgary, criticizes Hoekstra for statements that allegedly undermine diplomatic relations between Canada and the U.S. It also accuses him of interfering in Canadian political matters in a manner inconsistent with diplomatic norms. Green Party Leader Elizabeth May will present the petition in Parliament, emphasizing that Members of Parliament can table petitions without necessarily endorsing their content.
Hoekstra faced backlash for suggesting that Canada’s annexation by the U.S. could be a topic of discussion between Prime Minister Mark Carney and President Donald Trump. He further expressed disappointment with what he perceived as an “anti-American” sentiment during Canada’s recent federal election campaign. Hoekstra’s comments have stirred controversy, with critics pointing out his defense of U.S. tariff policies and his role in presenting the president’s viewpoints.
The U.S. Embassy in Ottawa has acknowledged the petition, but declined to comment further. The petition highlights Hoekstra’s alleged normalization of threats to annex Canada and calls for a review of U.S. diplomatic involvement in Canadian affairs. Persona non grata declarations, as outlined in the UN’s Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, allow governments to revoke diplomatic immunity and expel individuals from the country.
Recent expulsions of diplomats from China and India underscore Canada’s stance against foreign interference. In 2023, Canada expelled a Chinese diplomat for allegedly targeting a Member of Parliament’s family, while the following year saw the expulsion of Indian officials amidst allegations of government involvement in a campaign against Canadian citizens. These incidents have emphasized the importance of maintaining diplomatic integrity and addressing unwarranted interference in national affairs.