A Calgary woman leading a petition calling for the expulsion of U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra from Canada has seen a significant surge in support, with over 70,000 signatures gathered so far. The petition, set to be presented in the House of Commons, cites concerns about Hoekstra’s statements undermining Canada-U.S. relations and his diplomatic protocol breaches. The petition highlights Hoekstra’s controversial remarks, including suggesting Canada’s annexation by the U.S. as a discussion topic.
The woman, Lee Walker, emphasized the weight of Hoekstra’s words as an ambassador and the potential real-world consequences of normalizing such rhetoric. The petition also urges the Liberal government to investigate U.S. diplomatic interference in Canadian affairs.
While the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa has acknowledged the petition, it declined to comment on it. Walker underscored that amidst tense trade negotiations between the U.S. and Canada, existing turmoil necessitates a clear stance on respecting Canada’s sovereignty. The intention, she stated, is to emphasize that Canada’s sovereignty is not negotiable.
Both Canadian and American negotiators are engaged in ongoing trade talks, aiming to reach a resolution before potential levies on Canadian goods. Green Party Leader Elizabeth May is set to present the petition in Parliament in the coming months, with Walker hoping it will convey a strong message that such behavior from an ambassador cannot be ignored.